Checked Your Battery Lately?

Every day at the parts store, I encounter someone lugging a battery in to be covered under warranty. What you see above are examples of improperly cared for batteries - they have not been maintained. Are these considered to be a defect of the battery? Nope! Apparently the hood of the car hasn't been raised for quite some time. Could these batteries create starting problems? You betcha! These are examples of severe corrosion problems.

A lot of vehicle owners (which includes cars, light & heavy duty trucks and equipment) are under the impression that all batteries are "maintenance free". Even boat owners and garden tractor owners must think that. Unless the battery specifically says "Maintenance Free" or are "Gel" batteries, all others must be checked periodically. Ninety percent of batteries that are brought into the store claiming to be bad have never had the "caps" taken off to check the fluid levels. Once the caps have been taken off at the store, you would almost swear you could hear a coyote howling because the cells are so dry. Some of them are dry enough that one could almost grow cactus inside the battery.

Trouble - shooting

1. Check the fluid (electrolyte) level in the battery. Remove the caps and check for the fluid to be level with the bottom of the filler hole (fluid must cover the plates). If low, fill with distilled water.
2. Check for loose hold-down.
3. Check for cracked cover or case.
4. Check for loose, frayed or broken cables.
5. If there is corrosion on the terminal ends, either use a spray terminal cleaner (following the directions on the can), or use a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda to 1 part water). This will neutralize the corrosion.
Using a wrench, loosen the nut on the battery terminal bolt (negative cable first - top of battery will be marked with a negative symbol - ) and slowly twist the terminal from the post. (On a side mount battery, remove the bolt from the center of the cable end). Repeat this with the positive (marked with a + symbol). Clean the inside of the terminal end with a battery terminal brush or (soapless) steel wool pad. Use the terminal brush or steel wool to "shine" the battery post or inside of the side mount. Once clean, reinstall the positive cable first and then the negative cable. Do not overtighten the nuts or the bolt.
To prevent corrosion deposits from forming again, coat the terminals with either grease, petroleum jelly, or a battery protector spray. I highly recommend the use of battery corrosion washers also. They are very inexpensive and work amazingly well.
Again, periodically check the electrolyte level in the battery - best done at every oil change and keep the top free of dirt and debris. You'll be surprised at how much longer your battery will last by keeping it well maintained.
Happy Motoring!!