How to Maintain a Car Battery?
2 Answers
Car batteries are generally divided into maintenance-free lead-acid batteries and water-added lead-acid batteries. The specific maintenance methods for the two types of batteries are as follows: For maintenance-free lead-acid batteries: 1. Regularly check the magic eye and ensure the battery is fully charged. Since maintenance-free batteries do not have water-filling holes or battery fluid level indicators, the status of the battery can be judged by the magic eye on the battery. A green magic eye indicates the battery is normal and fully charged. A black magic eye indicates the battery needs charging. A white magic eye indicates the battery needs replacement. 2. Use a voltmeter to check the battery voltage. A dedicated battery tester is required to check the battery's discharge capacity and load-bearing capability. For water-added lead-acid batteries: 1. Regularly check the battery fluid level and density. The battery fluid in lead-acid batteries is a mixture of sulfuric acid and distilled water. The concentration of the battery fluid reflects the ratio of water to sulfuric acid in the battery fluid. The normal electrolyte density is 1.28 (summer)/1.29-1.30 (winter) (unit: grams per cubic centimeter). 2. When the battery fluid is insufficient, distilled water should be added promptly to keep the battery fluid density within a reasonable range at all times.
When I first started driving, I knew nothing about battery maintenance, which led to the embarrassing situation of my car not starting in winter. Later, I learned to check the battery terminals every time I washed the car. If I found white powder, I would clean it with a mixture of baking soda and water, then apply petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion. Loose terminals can also cause poor contact, so I tightened them with a wrench. In summer, high temperatures cause the electrolyte to evaporate quickly, so I regularly open the cap to add distilled water. If the liquid level drops low enough to expose the plates, it can damage the battery. Additionally, since I rarely take long trips, I always let the engine run for more than 10 minutes after short weekend drives to recharge the battery. Before winter, I go to a shop to test the voltage; if it's below 12.4 volts, I consider replacing it, as the lifespan is usually 3-5 years. If the car is parked for more than a week, I use a smart charger for maintenance to avoid deep discharge and extend the battery's life.
