Most of the on road hazards of car break down can be avoided simply by knowing your vehicle better, how different parts work and their importance in the overall running of the car.
When you know the parts of your car, it will be easier for you to do a few quick checks before you hit the road. You will be rewarded through these basic maintenance efforts by getting a stress free ride without the fear of a mechanical failure in the middle of nowhere.
According to the AA (http://www.theaa.co.uk) and the RAC (http://www.rac.co.uk) car battery troubles are one of the major contributors to car breakdowns.
It is true that modern day automobiles have become far more complex in their mechanical aspects. But it is also true that their maintenance has also become easier than the past. For example, modern car batteries are claimed to be maintenance-free. Still, it is recommended that you simply keep any eye to see how things are working out. This is because over time they become weaker and can give you trouble starting the car. Extreme cold and heat adversely affect their functionality.
A little maintenance can save you from major troubles. Here are a few useful tips to help you avoid the battery troubles:
- Check the terminals and cables at regular intervals to see whether they have become dirty loose, or corroded. These are precisely the factors that drain power out of batteries and prevent it from charging.
- Using commercial cleaner can be a solution to this problem; alternatively you can also use a homemade mixture of baking soda and water.
- Batteries today commonly come with a guarantee period of five years. Keep in mind when the guarantee period will be over, as batteries may lose their functionality at the end of this period. It will be wiser if you go for a timely replacement of your car battery as a measure of preventive maintenance.
- When you replace the battery make sure the new battery is as high in standard as the one originally specified.
- Also be sure the car electrical system is charging at the correct rate; both overcharging and undercharging reduces the battery life.
Beware car owners!! Summer is the season for facing some of the worst battery problems. So keep our tips in mind to reward your car with a trouble free battery.
Thanks for quoting the obvious, but wouldn’t it be helpful to follow this advice by explaining how to fit a battery and what the average mechanic would have to consider. I appreciate that there are dozens of different makes out there but there must be some commonality.
Why is summer the worst time ?
I thought winter is the worst time !..dont know why summer ?
Both hot and cold extremes in weather can have an adverse affect on battery life. The optimum temperature for a car battery is 28c, anything below or above this will result in poorer battery performance.
Please can anyone tell me why a white salt like material occurs at the top of my battery and builds up to large amounts.
Thank you
Ian
The white material is probably just terminal corrosion. Just clean it up with some WD40 and your battery should be fine.