What are the methods for car battery maintenance?
2 Answers
Car battery maintenance methods include: 1. Regularly clean the dust and oil stains on the car battery terminals and apply special grease to protect the wiring harness; 2. Regularly inspect the accessories and connecting circuits on the battery; 3. Minimize the use of electrical equipment in the car after turning off the engine; 4. Check the car battery through the observation hole on it and replace it regularly; 5. Start the car periodically if it is not used for a long time. A car battery, also known as a storage battery, is a type of battery, categorized into ordinary batteries, dry-charged batteries, and maintenance-free batteries. The working principle of a battery is to convert chemical energy into electrical energy.
I drive frequently and find battery maintenance quite straightforward, but it needs to be done regularly. Every month, I pop the hood to check the voltage with a multimeter – keeping it above 12.4V is ideal; if it's lower, I charge it immediately. Cleaning the terminals is crucial: when there's copper corrosion, I scrub them with warm water and a teaspoon of baking soda, then apply some grease to prevent further corrosion – a five-minute job. Batteries hate deep discharge, so I avoid listening to music with the engine off for more than 20 minutes, especially after short trips. I make sure to take a long drive weekly for a full charge. Pre-winter checks are more rigorous since batteries weaken in cold weather – I either get an insulation wrap or park in the garage. If aging becomes severe, like slow starts, it's time to replace it with a maintenance-free type every 3-5 years – cost-effective and hassle-free. Bottom line: don't slack off, make it a habit, and you'll be worry-free.
