Keeping your car battery in good shape is a must. There are a number of ways you can do this, and there are also some things you need to avoid doing.

Disconnect the terminals

Getting the right tools and safety precautions to disconnect the terminals of a car battery for maintenance is important to avoid injury or damage to the vehicle. Batteries are filled with inflammable materials that can explode or leak if they are not handled properly.

A few tips to follow include wearing protective gear such as goggles, gloves and a fire extinguisher. You should also be aware of the battery polarity. This helps you understand which terminal to disconnect first.

The first step is to remove the negative cable from the battery. This can be done using a socket wrench. The negative terminal is marked with a minus symbol (-) and a black cable. It is also covered with a plastic cap.

Next, you need to loosen the nut on the negative terminal. This should only take about three counter-clockwise turns.

Avoid connecting the positive and negative terminals

Using tools to connect the positive and negative terminals of a car battery is not a good idea. In fact, it can cause serious damage to the battery and to the vehicle's electrical system. A short circuit can be dangerous, as it can result in an explosion or burns. In addition, a reverse connection can result in huge surges of power that can severely damage the battery.

One way to avoid a mistake is to make sure that you have the correct size wrench for the job. Using the wrong wrench could cause damage to the points of contact. Also, be careful not to touch any metal surfaces while connecting the cables. If you are working with batteries, wear safety glasses and gloves.

Another thing to keep in mind is that a cable clamp spreader can expand the clamp and help you position the cables properly without exerting too much force.

Clean with baking soda and water

Using baking soda and water is a good way to clean a car battery. These two cleaning agents can be used to neutralize acidic corrosion and to get rid of corrosion on terminals. These substances can also be used to clean the battery posts.

Before you start a cleaning job, make sure you have a respirator and protective gloves. You should also wear a face mask. You can also use an air compressor to speed up the drying process.

You can also apply petroleum jelly to your battery clamps. This will help prevent future corrosion. You can also use a brush or wire brush to scrub off corrosion. You can buy special brushes at most auto parts stores.

Another option is to use a baking soda and water paste. You can find these ingredients in your kitchen. You can mix them together and apply them directly to the corroded area. This will help dissolve tough corrosion.

Avoid extreme heat

During the summer months, extreme heat can harm your car battery. It can reduce its lifespan and cause fuel economy problems. In addition, it can damage the charging system components. Thankfully, experts offer a few tips to help you keep your battery running smoothly.

High temperatures will evaporate the fluid in your car's battery. This will also decrease the conductivity of the battery. As a result, the lead plates will corrode, reducing its ability to hold a charge.

You can prevent this from happening by parking your car in the shade and making sure the AC is running properly. In addition, you should also clean the terminals of your battery. To do this, try a solution of baking soda and ammonia. This will neutralize the acid present in the moisture.

Have a professional mechanic service your battery

Getting your car battery serviced is a great way to ensure the longevity of your vehicle's electrical system. A dead battery can leave you stranded on the road. A new battery can be installed by a professional mechanic, which will provide the peace of mind you need while on the road.

A battery's lifespan is a function of the environment it is in, and the type of car you drive. If you drive in an area with extreme weather conditions, your battery will likely wear out sooner than if you live in a cooler climate.

The average lifespan of a car battery is four to six years. Batteries that are left unused for too long will also wear out, so it's wise to have yours serviced periodically.

The most important thing to remember when looking for the best battery is to get a replacement that is rated at least a couple of years longer than the old one. A new battery will allow you to start your car quicker and provide you with the proper alternator operation.