How to Maintain a New Car Battery?
2 Answers
The maintenance methods for a new car battery are as follows: 1. The car should not be left idle for long periods. A car that is not used for an extended time will gradually lose battery charge, which may lead to difficulty starting the car when needed. If the car is used infrequently, it is advisable to drive it periodically to keep the battery fully charged. 2. Avoid using electrical devices after turning off the engine. For example, listening to music while the engine is off consumes the battery's power. Prolonged use can drain the battery completely, resulting in failure to start the car. It is recommended that owners refrain from using electrical devices after turning off the engine. 3. Clean and maintain the battery. Regularly clean the car battery by wiping the positive and negative terminals with a dry cloth to remove dust, grease, white powder, and other contaminants that may cause leakage. Avoid using a wet cloth to prevent electric shock. If owners find it difficult to perform these tasks, it is recommended to visit a 4S store or a professional repair facility for assistance.
I just bought a new car with a brand-new battery, so maintenance has become a key point I must learn. The first thing is to ensure sufficient charging. The 4S shop suggested taking a long drive to fully charge it initially. Avoid short trips in daily use, such as driving only a few minutes for groceries, as the engine won’t have enough time to recharge the battery, leading to power loss. Once, I got lazy and took several short trips in a week, which almost left me unable to start the car. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to drive for at least half an hour weekly to recharge. Terminal cleaning is crucial. When I noticed green oxide on the positive and negative terminals, I cleaned them thoroughly with baking soda and water, wearing rubber gloves for safety. Checking the fluid level is also important. If it’s low, I top it up with distilled water to the specified level—never tap water. If I’m not driving for a long time, I disconnect the negative terminal or use a charger to maintain the battery. In summer, when temperatures are high, I avoid parking the car under direct sunlight, as old batteries can fail easily. Developing the habit of turning off all lights and music after shutting down the engine helps save power, ensuring the new battery lasts longer and saving money on replacements.
