Car Battery Care
In addition to a set of wrenches, you’ll only need a post cleaner or side terminal ($4), a hydrometer ($6) and a cable puller ($4), all available at auto parts stores. Keep in mind that you can skip the battery service if you make sure the mechanic does it during periodic servicing, but you’ll want to keep up with the regular maintenance.
Battery HygieneStep 1: Clean The Cables
First clean the top of the battery and any corrosion from
the cables using a tablespoon of baking soda, a cup of water and a nonmetallic
brush. Flush with cool water. Now disconnect the cables, starting with the
negative one to prevent your wrenches from arcing on a nearby ground. Loosen
the battery cable clamp bolts and gently give them a twist. Use a cable puller
if they’re stuck. Never pry on the battery posts. If you have a side post
terminal (not shown), use a 5/16-in. box wrench to loosen the cables. With the
cables removed, further clean off the corrosion around the battery terminals
and cables with a post cleaner.
Step 2: Check The Level Of The Electrolyte
Gently pry off the covers of the battery cells. (If you
have a no-maintenance sealed battery, see facing page.) The water and acid
mixture in the battery (electrolyte) should be about 1/2 in. deep or to the
bottom of the fill hole. If it needs water, use clean distilled water, being
careful not to overfill the cells, and then inspect the battery case for
cracks. If you find a crack, replace the battery. If you added water, let the
water mix with the electrolyte for a few hours before the next step. (You may
need to reconnect the battery to maintain your memory
functions.)
Step 3: Check The Condition And Charge Of The
Battery
Test the electrolyte in each cell. Squeeze the ball and
draw the solution into the tester. Carefully hold the tester level and write
down the reading. Squirt the solution back into the same cell. The testers are
calibrated assuming a battery is at 80 degrees F. Add .04 to each reading for
every 10 degrees above 80 and subtract .04 for every 10 degrees below. If you
get a cell reading that differs from the others by .05 or more, replace the
battery. A fully charged battery should have a reading of 1.265 or higher. If
all the readings show fair or low (1.200 is low) but are consistent, recharge
the battery.
Memory saver
If you have preset radio stations or other memory
functions in your car and want to keep them, go to your auto parts store and
get a device like the one shown and a fresh 9-volt battery. Plug this into your
cigarette lighter before you disconnect the cables. This will give you about
one hour to clean the cables and test the battery
charge.
Step 4: Remove the
cables
Remove your battery hold-down clamp. Disconnect the
negative cable first, then the positive. Note: Always replace the battery with
one that has a higher rating than the original.
Step 5: Replace The Battery
Tie a heavy-duty strap to the ears on the side of the
battery and gently lift it out. Be careful; battery acid is dangerous. Don’t
drop it. Once the battery is out, clean the battery tray and replace it if it’s
badly corroded. Batteries are heavy and need solid
support!
Step 6: Reinstall The Clamp And Cables
Carefully lift the new battery into place. Connect the
hold-down clamp, then connect the cable to the positive terminal first and the
negative last (for negative ground systems). Smear a little petroleum jelly
onto the terminal before fastening the cable clamps to the posts. The grease
will help slow corrosion. Most batteries are at least 75 percent charged when
you buy them and should be ready for you to start your car and drive. Check
with your supplier to see if your new battery needs charging before you use
it.
No Maintenance
If you have a no-maintenance battery, check to
see if you have a green dot in the sight glass/charge indicator. Green means
the battery is good. If it’s dark, it needs recharging. If it’s yellow or has
no color at all, (inspect carefully and use a flashlight), replace the
battery.
- Your headlights look dim at idle and then brighten when you rev the engine.
- The starter turns slowly, barely starting the car. But you may have alternator wiring problems that prevent the battery from fully charging. If that’s the case, schedule a service appointment. Check your fan belt. If it’s loose, frayed, cracked or glazed, have it serviced or replaced.
- Frequent short trips.
- Too many accessories left on or added.
-
Look for a purchase date chart on the battery (it may be handwritten). The battery case will also have a decal stating its expected life, such as 60 or 84 months. If it’s near the end of this expected service life, replace it.
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