Battery Care
Take care of your battery before your car needs a jump start or an expensive service.
A battery has a finite lifespan and over its lifespan, a battery goes through a slow decline. So, let us understand how we can prolong its life span by taking good care of the battery. Also, it is equally important to identify correctly when a battery needs replacement
Battery care tips
- Make sure all electrical equipments are operated only after the engine is tuned on. This was we can ensure they are connected to alternator and not to the battery. Eg: Switch on your headlights after you start your engine, avoid using power windows if the engine is not running etc
- Ensure battery terminals are clean, tight and free of corrosion. Use an approved battery clamp to limit vibrations. Battery life is affected if they are subjected to vibrations.
- Avoid start-stop driving pattern. And once in 2 months, take your car for a drive where you can maintain a constant speed and the where speed is relatively higher.
- Keep your car in your garage to protect from extreme temperatures (heat or cold)
- Apply a thin coat of high temperature grease to the cable connections and posts. Battery terminal spray could be used as well
- An inexpensive way to remove the acid on battery top is to use baking soda paste
- Get your battery checked at regular intervals and top up distilled water as required
- Never keep battery in discharged state for long. It results in formation of lead sulphate which can result in loss of performance and longevity of the battery
Videos on battery care
When to replace your battery
A well maintained battery could last for up to 5 years however some signs of the battery needing replacement are –
- An early warning could be when your battery takes more than normal time to crank the engine. But if it completely fails to provide sufficient voltage to the starter, it is time to replace the battery
- Headlights are dim at idle, but brighten once you start your engine
- Leakages, broken or swollen battery casing
Tips for buying a new battery
1. Size
Batteries come in a variety of sizes. It’s important to choose the right size because it should fit securely in its place and make sure the terminals are in the right place. If the terminals are in the wrong place, your car’s cables might not reach, or they may not fit securely. Also ensure it provides sufficient power. It is advised to check your owner’s manual
2. Reserve capacity
In an event where the alternator may fail, reserve capacity is the number of minutes your car might run using the battery alone.
3. CCA
Cold cranking amps (CCA) is the measure of a battery’s ability to start your vehicle in cold weather conditions. The size of the battery CCA rating should meet or exceed the car’s OEM (original equipment manufacturer) cranking rate
4. Recycle battery
A battery’s toxic lead and acid can easily be recycled, and most retailers will dispose of the old one for you. When buying a new battery, you can get a discount / refund when you return the old battery.
5. Warranty
It is important to choose a battery with the longest free replacement period you can get. A battery’s warranty is measured in two figures: the free replacement period and the prorated period–which allows only partial reimbursement. The code of 24/24, for example, indicates a free-replacement period of 24 months and a prorated warranty of 24 months. But the amount you’ll be reimbursed usually drops off pretty quickly once you’re into the prorated period.
6. Fresh battery
Look for a battery that is on shelf for less than 6 months
Get your battery replaced at your doorstep with an option to exchange your return your old battery. Choose Cartisan.
Stay charged!