How to properly maintain car batteries?
(Baonghean.vn) - Many people simply think that the battery only helps the car start, but right after starting is a series of complex mechanical activities. Therefore, a high-quality battery plays a very important role in the performance of the car, especially when you live in an environment with harsh weather and temperature.
Below are the steps for proper battery maintenance to help extend the "life" of this device.
1. Always keep the battery at a safe temperature
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| Vietnam is a country with a relatively harsh climate, especially in the summer, the temperature is often maintained at a high level, which will have a negative impact on the battery. You should use an additional layer of insulation or cover for the battery to avoid being affected by the heat radiating under the hood of the car... If in the winter, the temperature drops, especially in high mountainous areas, the battery will also be affected. At this time, you should use a heat-retaining plate to help protect the car battery. |
2. Only add water when the solution is below the specified level.
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| Many drivers often add water to the battery themselves. However, if this is not done properly, it will cause the concentration of the solution in the battery to be diluted, plus the distance traveled is too short after adding distilled water, not enough to recharge the battery, so when restarting, the battery will have difficulty operating normally. ... Therefore, it is important to note that you should only add water to the battery when the solution in the battery is lower than the specified level. Some types of batteries use the symbols MIN, MAX, when adding distilled water, make sure the solution is higher than the MIN level and does not exceed the MAX level. |
3. Monitor voltage level
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| You can easily check the battery's output voltage by running the battery under a heavy load for about 30 seconds. If the meter shows a green light, your car's battery is still in good working order. |
4. Regularly check the condition of the electrical wires connected to the battery.
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| For sealed batteries, the operating status is usually shown on the battery cover. Specifically, green/blue is a sign that the battery is still working well; white is a sign that it needs to be charged; black/red is a sign that the battery is due for replacement... Drivers should regularly check the condition of the wires connected to the battery. If the wires are found to be loose, they should be tightened. If the wires are dirty or rusty, they should be cleaned and replaced. If properly maintained, batteries usually have a "lifespan" of 2.5 - 3.5 years. |
5. Always keep the battery clean
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| Two common chemicals used to clean batteries are baking soda and soda - also known as "salt medicine". You can use a toothbrush to scrub off the deposits on the terminals with just 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of warm water. After scrubbing, wipe it off with a wet towel and then dry it with a clean soft towel; you can use carbonated drinks to remove corrosive substances on the car battery... Note, do not scrub directly on the cap or vent if you do not want the soda to fall into the battery, which may cause a reaction that causes the acid solution to spill out, endangering you. |
