Finding your vehicle with a dead battery can be very frustrating and inconvenient. Follow these tips to get the most out of your battery and keep it running.
1. Clean it
- Wipe your battery’s casing with a damp rag. Use a screwdriver to scrape away dirt and buildup from the terminals to allow the current to pass from the battery to the cables more efficiently. Call Meyer’s if the job looks like too much to handle alone.
2. Secure the battery
- Vibration and rattling can cause damage to the battery plates and your vehicle. It could also cause the battery to short circuit.
3. Protect it from weather
- Protect your battery from extremely cold weather, like we have here in the Midwest. Insulation kits are typically already found in new cars, but double check to make sure yours has a plastic or other thermal-resistant covering.
4. Drive your vehicle
- Leaving your car without starting and driving it for an extended period of time can affect your battery’s charge. Make sure you drive it regularly, even if it’s just around the block.
5. Service your engine
- A bad engine can cause your car’s battery to overwork and reduce its life.
6. Turn off the radio
- Turning on your stereo, headlights or interior lights while your car isn’t running is a good way to run the battery down. Unplug your iPod and phone charger while the vehicle is turned off.
7. Disconnect it
- If you know your car won’t be running for at least two weeks, disconnect the connector from the negative terminal to help prevent loss of charge
8. Refill battery cells
- If plates become exposed, refill the battery cells with clean water. Check the water level every month or two to prevent battery failure.
If your vehicle isn’t running properly, Meyer’s Automotive can quickly diagnose the problem and get you back on the road in no time. Give us a call at (314) 892-1071 to have a specialist provide you with the best maintenance care.