The battery of your vehicle is like its heart. If it isn’t working right, it can stop your vehicle cold. Your battery performs several functions, including providing the power to turn your vehicle on via the ignition and electronics. It also regulates the voltage in the alternator, providing power, even when other parts of the vehicle aren’t functioning well. So here’s a few tips to keep your battery at its peak.
If you forget to turn off your headlights, leave your car idle for prolonged periods of time, or leave your car sit without running it every few days, your battery will soon be drained. If it dies, it can typically be recharged. However, overcharging it can weaken the battery’s power as well.
Drastic weather changes and conditions can drain a battery also, from the cold of the northern winters to the heat and humidity of the deep south in the summer. In fact, many battery problems start long before the temperatures drop. It’s heat, more than cold, that shortens a battery’s life. Heat causes the battery liquid to evaporate, which damages the internal structure of the battery. Meanwhile, cold temperatures increase the thickness of the engine oil, making the engine harder to turn over, which in turn, makes the battery work harder.
Trickle chargers can be used to reduce wear and tear on the regular battery. They’re designed to be left on a car for a long period to re-charge the battery ongoing. They slowly add the charge to the battery and don’t allow for normal depletion that occurs. Some types can be left on a battery indefinitely, which are perfect for a vehicle that is stored away for part of the year or just not used regularly.
Always check your battery and connectors for corrosion and rust. Whenever there’s a build-up, be sure to clean it off. To do so simply and cheaply, all you need is some old fashioned baking soda and a couple of brushes. First, remove the battery cables from the terminals, which may be easier said than done. You may have to wiggle them and lift them upward until the clamps come off the post. You may even need a pair of locking pliers. If you see any damage in the terminals or battery case, replace the battery.
Now pour baking soda directly onto the posts and scrub it into the terminal posts and cable clamps with a wet toothbrush. If that doesn’t do enough, use a battery terminal cleaner brush. When finished, dry it all off with a clean rag. To slow down corrosion, apply grease or petroleum jelly onto the posts, before replacing the cables and clamps.
When you need to replace your battery, cables, clamps, or cleaning brushes or would like to try a trickle charger to keep your battery power strong and reliable, shop GMoutletparts for the best selection and prices. Be sure to have your VIN number handy when entering your make and model.
Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Battery-Corrosion-and-Build-Up http://www.carsdirect.com/car-repair/how-to-use-a-trickle-charger
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