Looking after your battery
Your
car’s battery is responsible for powering the starter motor, the
lights and the ignition. In short, if your battery is dead, your
car won’t start.
Most batteries will last around three to five years, at which
point they need replacing.
Looking after your battery will help you get the most out of it.
Do this quick check-up once a month or so, or if you think
something might be wrong, to help your battery live a long,
fruitful life.
DIY battery check
First, BE CAREFUL. Batteries contain a mix of distilled water
and acid, which can burn skin and damage clothes and paint work. If
any fluid gets on your skin, quickly wash it off with water. And
never check it near a naked flame!
- Turn off your engine
- Ensure the battery terminals (the knobs on top of the battery
cables) are clean and dry. If a terminal is warm to touch, it might
indicate corrosion or loose connections
- Clean off any corrosion (which looks like white, fluffy stuff)
by pouring hot water or bicarbonate of soda onto the affected
area
- Tighten any loose connections or terminals with an
appropriately-sized spanner. Make sure the spanner doesn’t touch
any part of the vehicle body (particularly the wires and cables in
the engine), as it will cause the engine to short and potentially
damage your electrical system
- Some batteries have screw-on caps that allow you to check and
refill the battery fluid. If your battery has caps, remove each one
and check that the fluid in the chambers is at the appropriate
level (indicated on the battery). If it needs topping up, use
distilled water (from your supermarket or service station) and be
careful not to overfill. After filling, make sure to tighten the
caps securely
For a more comprehensive battery check or to test the amount of
charge in your battery, see your mechanic or automobile club.
