Battery Care

You don't have to wait until you break down to change your battery. Avoid breakdown's by getting your battery tested.

Additionally, maintaining a correct electrolyte level ensures that the level is not too high or to low. If you use distilled or deionised water and never over fill, your battery will serve you well. Maintenance-free batteries will usually not require topping up. Low maintenance batteries require the addition of water only once or twice per year depending on conditions.

Make sure battery terminals and cable connections are clean and tight, a thin layer of petroleum jelly can help reduce corrosion. Overcharging produces rapid deterioration and corrosion which shortens battery life, a battery needing to be topped up continually with water is a sure sign that the car's electrical system requires careful checking, this may also affect a maintenence free battery.

Keep in mind that dirt on a battery's surface leads to discharge and corrosion. Avoid spilling oil or grease onto the top of the battery. To remove dirt or moisture, wash with a solution of bicarbonate of soda and water, rinse after with clear water and ensure vent plugs are in place at all times.

Batteries contain hydrogen gas and air in a volatile mixture which is easily ignited, so keep flames or sparks away from the battery at all times. Batteries contain sulphuric acid. Never add acid to cells and keep acid away from eyes, skin, clothing or any other material which may become damaged. If contamination occurs, use large amounts of water to neutralise and flush acid away.

A little regular maintenance can keep your battery in excellent condition for reliable use.

Air Conditioning Tip

During the Winter months, it is a good idea to run your air conditioner periodically. This keeps the seals in good order and helps to maintain a regular use cycle. Additionally, using your air conditioner with your Demister, when your front windscreen is difficult to see through, will help clear it away in no time at all. This also helps keep your unit humming along during the times when the weather is cold, ready for the Summer months ahead.

Remember to have it checked regulary to ensure that it does not require a regas - then your Summer days (and nights!) of driving in a cool vehicle will be trouble free.

Autospark is your specialist in WA, for the best in Service, Advice and Products. Should you have any enquiries, please feel free to email direct or call any Autospark location.