As an essential component of your vehicle’s electrical system, maintaining your maintenance battery is vital to keep your car running smoothly. Regular servicing of the battery will help prolong its life and ensure that it performs optimally. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to service your maintenance battery:
1. Safety First
Before you begin, ensure that you have all the necessary safety gear, including gloves, goggles, and a face mask. Battery acid can be hazardous, and it’s vital to protect yourself against any accidental splashes.
2. Turn off the Engine
Ensure that your car’s engine is off and the keys are out of the ignition. This step is critical in preventing any accidents or injuries during the servicing process.
3. Remove the Battery
Next, remove the battery from the vehicle by loosening the battery terminals with a wrench. Make sure to disconnect the negative terminal first before the positive one. Then, gently lift the battery out of the car and place it on a flat surface.
4. Clean the Battery
Using a battery cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water, clean the battery terminals and connectors. Corrosion can affect the battery’s performance and shorten its lifespan, so it’s essential to keep it clean. Scrub off any visible corrosion with a wire brush, making sure not to touch any metal tools to the battery terminals.
5. Check Electrolyte Levels
Check the battery’s electrolyte levels by removing the cell caps on the battery. The level of the electrolyte should be between the minimum and maximum level markers. If the level is low, top up the battery with distilled water to the recommended level.
6. Check Battery Voltage
Using a voltmeter, check the battery’s voltage level. A healthy battery should have a voltage reading of 12.6 volts or higher. If the voltage reading is lower than that, you may need to recharge the battery.
7. Reinstall the Battery
After checking and servicing the battery, reinstall it into the vehicle, connecting the positive terminal first, followed by the negative one. Ensure that the battery is securely fastened in place and the terminals are tight. Apply some petroleum jelly like (Vaseline or Arimis) all over the exposed surface. DO NOT apply grease or oil to the terminals.
8. Test the Battery
Finally, test the battery to ensure that it’s working correctly. Start the car and check that all electrical components are functioning correctly, such as the headlights, radio, and air conditioning.
Regular servicing of your maintenance battery is crucial in prolonging its life and ensuring that your vehicle runs smoothly. By following these steps, you can keep your battery in top condition and avoid any unexpected breakdowns. Remember always to prioritize safety when handling battery acid and wear the necessary safety gear. If you are still unsure on how to do this process, contact Meta Batteries and Solar Ltd. We will send over a qualified technician to assist you.
