Battery Care
Your vehicle’s battery is essential for its smooth operation, making proper maintenance crucial for longevity and efficiency. To extend your battery’s life and enhance your vehicle’s performance, follow these essential maintenance tips.
1. Battery Maintenance
Regular battery maintenance ensures a smooth and hassle-free driving experience. Follow
- Ensure the battery is firmly mounted in its cradle and that the cable clamps are properly connected to prevent vibrations and loose connections.
- Keep the battery top dry and free of dirt. Apply petroleum jelly or Vaseline to the terminals and clamps for proper lubrication—avoid using grease.
- If you have a conventional lead-acid battery, periodically maintain the electrolyte level by topping up only with distilled water up to the indicated maximum level.
- Regularly check your vehicle’s electrical system, including the regulator voltage setting, to prevent overcharging or undercharging.
- Have your battery inspected and serviced at an authorised dealer to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
- Checking the wiring harness in battery maintenance serves as an organised and protected way to connect electrical components and ensures efficient power distribution and system reliability.
2. Battery Handling
- Always use insulated gloves when handling batteries.
- Keep batteries away from open flames and sparks to prevent explosions.
- Never attempt to disassemble or puncture a battery, as it contains hazardous chemicals.
- Store batteries in a cool, dry place if not in use for an extended period.
- If a battery leaks, avoid contact with skin or eyes and rinse immediately with water.
3. Battery Recycling
Recycling old batteries is essential for environmental safety. Follow these steps:
- Return old batteries to an authorized recycling center or dealer.
- Never dispose of batteries in regular trash, as they contain hazardous materials.
- Recycled lead, plastic, and acid are used to manufacture new batteries, supporting sustainability.
- Ensure proper handling of used batteries to comply with environmental regulations.
- Check battery waste management rules to ensure you are following the government-set rules for battery recycling.
4. How to Jump-Start Your Vehicle
If your battery is dead, follow these steps to jump-start your vehicle safely:
- Position another vehicle with a charged battery close to yours.
- Turn off both engines and connect jumper cables in this order:
- Red clamp to the dead battery’s positive (+) terminal.
- Red clamp to the working battery’s positive (+) terminal.
- Black clamp to the working battery’s negative (-) terminal.
- Black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car (not the battery).
- Start the vehicle with a working battery, then attempt to start it.
- Once started, remove cables in reverse order and keep the engine running for a while.
5. Ways to Keep Your Car Out of Trouble
- Check battery health regularly, especially before long trips.
- Ensure headlights, interior lights, and accessories are turned off when the engine is not running.
- Keep your vehicle in moderate temperatures, as extreme heat or cold can impact battery life.
- Service your vehicle periodically to check for electrical issues that may affect the battery.
6. Check for signs of battery replacement
- Slow engine start
- Dimming lights and weak Electronics
- Battery warning light
- Corrosion and swelling