Car battery maintenance and replacement tips

Maintaining your car battery is critical for its dependability and regular battery checks can help maintain optimal performance. For further guidance on car maintenance and battery replacement, consider these helpful car battery tips.

Tips for car battery maintenance

While there are some actions you can take to help maintain your car battery, it’s crucial to keep your safety in mind. If you consider that any of the tasks may be too complex or you don’t have proper training, consult a mechanic.

Because some batteries may expose you to corrosive battery acid, wear protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves and long-sleeved clothing. Before starting, see that you are in a well-ventilated area and confirm that your car engine is fully off before you begin doing any maintenance.

Here are some tips for maintaining your car battery:

• Keep it clean. Dirt and grime can corrode your car battery, including the terminals and tray, leading to potential damage and expensive repairs. Use baking soda and water paste to help scrub away any rust. Wipe off any residue with a damp cloth.
• Use a protective solution. Consult with an auto parts shop to see what they recommend for a protective solution for your battery and vehicle type. After you clean the battery, spray the solution on the clamps to confirm good contact between the battery terminals and cables. This can help prevent corrosion and buildup.
• Ensure the battery is secure. Double check all cables are tightly secured to their mounting bracket or battery tray to help prevent electrical issues and damage from vibrations.
• Drive regularly. Regular driving can help keep your battery charged. Aim for at least one 30-minute drive per week, as short trips may not provide enough time for a full recharge.
• Mind your accessories. Interior lights, air conditioning, seat warmers, chargers and electronics can drain your battery. Consider turning off and unplugging all accessories and features before shutting off your engine.
• Control temperature. Extreme temperatures can impact your battery's lifespan. Try to park in a garage during cold weather and in a shaded area during hot weather.
• Check fluids. This will not apply to sealed lead acid (SLA), or valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries, because those are designed to be leak-proof and maintenance-free. A lead-acid battery may need to have the electrolyte levels checked regularly (remember to wear protective gear as stated above). Low levels can be topped off with distilled water; avoid tap water, as it can damage the battery.
• Trickle charge when stored. If you won't be driving for more than two weeks, consider using a trickle charger to help maintain your battery's charge. Trickle chargers can be purchased at an auto parts store and may help charge the battery at a very slow and low rate, thus preventing overcharging or damage to the battery. Consider consulting a mechanic if you have questions.
• Regular inspection. Regular voltage checks will indicate your battery's health and whether it needs replacing. Always consider your safety or consult a mechanic when conducting a voltage check.

When to replace a car battery

Signs your car battery is not performing well and may need to be replaced:

• Slow engine crank — your car takes longer than usual to start.
• Dashboard warning lights — may indicate a problem with the electrical system or battery charging.
• Fluid leaks — this may be due to overcharging or an internal battery leak.
• Swollen battery case — overcharging or extreme temperatures can cause the battery to swell.
• Foul odor — a rotten egg smell may signal a gas leak from overcharging or battery damage.
• Electrical issues — malfunctioning headlights, dashboard lights, locks or other electrical components, or if you experience any other electrical warnings.
• Old battery — car batteries typically last 3-5 years. Consider doing research to understand the quality and warranty of batteries among the types and brands available.

What to do if you have a dead car battery?

If you have jumper cables and access to another running vehicle, you might consider jump starting your vehicle. If you see that your battery is damaged or cracked, DO NOT attempt to jump start the battery. It is important to exercise safety when you are trying to jump start a battery — like moving out of the way of traffic, placing both vehicles in park and turning them off.

If you're alone and without jumper cables, reach out for towing services or roadside assistance. If you don't have coverage for emergency roadside assistance on your auto policy, consider contacting your insurance company to learn more.

Don't let your car battery leave you stranded. Consider testing it often — or at least twice a year.

For more car-related tips, consider this additional information on tire maintenance, what to do if you put the wrong fuel in the car and what to do if your car is recalled.