Your Car Battery

By Author: Dennis James
Total Articles: 59
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A car's battery is under very much stress in modern vehicles. It's true that the engineering of more powerful batteries evolved, but more and more electrical systems and devices are added to a car. Besides the heavier load on them, other circumstances can affect your battery's performance. Things such excessive heat, which can lead to the evaporation of the battery fluid (you should remember that operating your car's battery in conditions of extreme heat is more damaging than running it in extreme cold), or overcharging can cause serious problems to its functioning.

There are two ratings on car battery: CCA and RC. CCA means Cold Cranking Amps and RC means Reserve Capacity. When you replace it, be sure to buy one with the same properties as the initial one. Usually, these ratings are mentioned on the battery sticker.

There are a series of tips you should know in order to take good care of your car battery. First of all, remember to maintain your engine properly. Because an engine in good shape will start easily, it will induce less stress on the battery at startup.
Regularly check your battery with the ...
... aid of a specialized load test. Its results will tell you if you need to replace it or not.
Because dirt and corrosion of the battery's terminals can lead to its premature wear, make sure these contacts are clean. Use an old toothbrush or a bristle brush to clear the terminals. Use a combination of baking soda and water to clean them effectively.
Remember to check the water level every few months. When needed (if the water level is below the refill hole), add distilled water (under no circumstance use tap water, as it will corrode the battery's terminals).

If the energy level of your car's battery is low, you can boost it. It is a relatively easy procedure, but if not done properly, it can cause a lot of damage to you and your car.
Connect the (+) clamps of the new and the old battery.
After that, connect the (-) clamp to the negative terminal of the good battery, while connecting the other negative clamp to the car frame or a grounded metal element (you can use the engine block) on the vehicle with the dead battery. Remember; do not connect the final clap to the dead battery's negative terminal.
Leave the cables attached this way for a couple of minutes without starting the engine. Do not crank the motor more than 10 seconds. After the engine of the car with the dead battery has started, remove the clamps in the exact reverse order. It is best not to let either of the clamps touch each other as this will cause sparks.

When working with the electrical systems of your car, wear protective elements (goggles and isolating gloves). Besides the high electricity levels a car battery produces, it has hazardous acids inside as well as other gases which can cause serious injuries.