Getting To Grips With Essential Car Maintenance
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Getting To Grips With Essential Car Maintenance

When I got my first car twenty years ago, I was clueless when it came to maintaining it and keeping it in a roadworthy condition. As a result, I had to pay for costly repairs that could have been avoided if the car had been looked after better. I learned my lesson and started reading everything I could about basic car maintenance. I started this blog to share what I've learned in the hopes it will save other new drivers making costly mistakes. I blog about a variety of topics, such as troubleshooting uneven tyre wear, the benefits of regular servicing and maintaining your car during the winter months. I hope you find my blog useful.

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Getting To Grips With Essential Car Maintenance

Tips on Prolonging Your Auto Battery's Lifespan

Reginald Fox

The automotive battery is an important module in the function and the performance of your vehicle. It is primarily responsible for powering the starter motor in the car, the lights and the ignition system in the engine of an internal combustion vehicle. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the battery is protected and serviced to avoid costly inconveniences. A poorly-maintained auto battery is susceptible to decline in activity and eventual premature breakdown. If this happens, you will need to perform frequent replacements, which are costly. Here are some useful tips to help you prolong the service lifespan of your auto battery.

Clean the Terminals

The battery terminals are crucial elements in the electrical connections. Unfortunately, the sulphuric acid in the battery can react with the metal terminals, producing a layer of inert and insulating corrosion. If this material builds up over the area, the electrical power flow will be interrupted. This will lower the performance of your battery, and you might even assume that it is dead. You can prevent decline in activity and restore the functionality by cleaning the terminals periodically. Scrape away the material with pliers or even a screw driver or clean it using a wire brush. It is advisable to wear protective gear like gloves and goggles because the corrosion is lead sulphate. This compound has toxic properties when inhaled, ingested and touched.

Charge the Battery

The automotive battery is charged by the vehicle's charging system when the vehicle is in motion. This allows the power levels in the battery to remain consistent, prolonging the life of the module. If you keep your vehicle inactive for long periods of time, the battery will become discharged. The power levels will decline drastically, reducing the long-term performance of the battery. You can keep the battery charged by driving your car frequently. In addition, avoid draining the power by leaving the lights and other electrical components on when the vehicle is parked.

Insulate the Battery

The battery is sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so you should protect it against the harsh external conditions. For example, cold temperatures cause the battery to become somewhat inactive. Therefore, you will have to hard start and crank the car during frosty mornings, and this can damage the electrical and motor systems. You should purchase and install an insulating blanket to protect the battery against the harsh elements and extend the service life.

Finally, handle the heavy battery with care when lifting and safeguard it against direct contact with oil spills, flames and metallic objects. For more tips, you can contact a local shop like 1st Choice Mechanical Repairs


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