A car battery is an important part of your car. Without it you are not going to be going anywhere. So car batteries do wear out over time but there are steps you can take to improve there performance and life expectancy. It is important to take car of your car battery. This hub has some tips on caring for your car battery.

General battery care

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As a battery goes through a slow decline, there may be warning signs that it's about to fail. The key to avoid a breakdown is to get your battery tested.

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Checking your electrical connections

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Ensure that the battery terminals and cable connections are clean and tight to enable proper current flow.

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Keep batteries clean and dry

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A dirty battery surface can lead to a discharge and corrosion. It is important to avoid spilling oil or grease onto the top of the battery.

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Keep your battery charged

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Under-charged or under-used batteries will slowly go flat over time which will reduce the life of your battery. This happens most often in watercraft through the winter months or vehicles left unused for long periods of time. It's important to keep a battery fully charged to ensure maximum life.

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Winter battery care

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No one likes getting up on a cold frosty morning, least of all your car. Starting your car in the cold may cause it to suffer from hard starting and excessive cranking which has a huge affect on the motor and the electrical system.

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The best way to avoid your car not starting in the morning is to do the following

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Keep your car in the garage

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This will protect it from the cold. Starting will be a lot easier putting less strain on the battery.

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Make sure the battery is not loose

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Vibration can cause damage to battery plates. Ensure terminals are cleaned regularly during every major service.

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Ensure your battery water level is always topped up.

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If you have a 'Standard' or 'Low Maintenance' battery, you should remove the filter cap and check the water level every month. Make sure it is topped up with distilled water to just above the plates. Mop up any spillage.

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Listen for early warning sounds

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One of the most common signs of a weak battery is a grinding sound coming from the motor when you start the car. If this happens contact a battery specialist.

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Check the age of your battery

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Older car batteries are less likely to start your car in the winter. If your battery is more than three years old it may need replacing.

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Handle with care

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For your own safety we recommend you have a your battery checked and tested by a professional

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Do not place metallic objects on top of the battery as this may cause the battery to short

Keep flames and sparks away from batteries as they contain hydrogen gas and may catch fire or explode

Batteries contain sulphuric acid so make sure no part of your body or anything damageable comes into contact. If this happens, use large amounts of water to neutralise and flush acid away

Batteries are heavy - use correct lifting procedures and the carry handle provided to move batteries

Keep children away from batteries