Bowl out battery bother

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The battery may be the least talked about component of a car but this is not to say that it lacks importance. Here are a few things to keep in mind for the extended life and trouble-free performance of the battery. There are different kinds of batteries in the market, the latest being the zero-maintenance, fully factory-charged batteries. These need no regular maintenance but get them checked every six months. Other types of batteries need periodic check up for electrolytes and cleaning of the terminals, etc.

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Always fill the battery with distilled water. The level of electrolyte should be maintained and checked every month.

Deposits of copper sulphate on the terminals should be cleaned with tepid water, sand or emory paper. After cleaning apply petroleum jelly. Make sure that the terminal clamps are tight and covered with proper rubber caps. The caps help reduce fire hazard in case of accidental earthing. The vents on the caps should be clear for the battery to breathe properly. Before hooking up electrical accessories ensure that the battery can take the load otherwise it will lead to excessive power drainage and hamperits proper functioning. The battery in modern cars is charged by an alternator and in case of faulty charging the warning light on the instrument panel comes on. If the red light glows, take the car to the dealer. If the car is not being used for a long time, remove the terminals from the battery. This prevents discharge and prolongs the life of the battery. The battery should be firmly secure in the cradle. A loose battery would bounce, vibrate and even fall off. This might not only damage it but spilled acid from the battery can damage other parts and it is a potential fire hazard.