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How to Service Car Batteries

by Contributing Writer

Overview

Modern car batteries tend to be somewhat problem-free. In fact, the so-called maintenance free batteries really leave little for the vehicle owner to do. However, there are some things that the vehicle owner can do to assure a smoothly operating battery and electrical system. The battery should be serviced at oil change time and in the same intervals. You might take the battery for granted now; however, if you ever become stranded over a battery complication you will wish that you would have taken it more seriously.

A bit of preventive maintainence can prevent a roadside repair.

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Step 1

Open the hood. Examine the battery. Look for any wet spots that would indicate a cracked case. Look for white powdery residue that is the tell-tale sign of battery corrosion.
Step 2

Clean the battery posts. Remove the battery cables with a wrench. Mix 1 tsp. of baking soda with a pint of water. Brush the solution onto the battery posts. This will clean any corrosion from the post area. Wipe it clean with a clean wet towel.
Step 3

Clean the battery posts. Put on the safety glasses and rubber gloves. Use a battery post cleaner on both battery posts. Turn the cleaner back and forth until the posts are shiny. Use the wire brush end of the tool to clean the inside of the battery cables.
Step 4

Replace the battery cables. Tighten the cables with a wrench. Close the hood.
Step 5

Perform a hydrometer test--hydrometers are commonly sold as battery testers in auto supply stores--if you have a battery that allows you to remove the cell caps. Remove the caps. Squeeze the bulb of the hydrometer before you insert the rubber tube into a battery cell. Insert the tube into a cell and release the bulb. This will cause the battery fluid to be sucked into the tester. Note which color the fluid rises to. Green = a good battery. White =the battery is fair. Red = the battery needs a charge. Also, make sure that the electrolyte fluid covers the lead in each cell by at least 1/8 inch. Repeat this test to all cells.The cells should be covered with 1/8 inch of fluid. Add distilled water to any low cells.

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Protective eye wear Protective rubber gloves Battery post/terminal cleaner Water Baking soda Paint brush Clean towel Hydrometer Distilled water
Protective eye wear
Protective rubber gloves
Battery post/terminal cleaner
Water
Baking soda
Paint brush
Clean towel
Hydrometer
Distilled water
Check your battery every time you change the oil. This will alert you to changes in the battery's condition and appearance.
Check your battery every time you change the oil. This will alert you to changes in the battery's condition and appearance.
Never attempt to pry the sealed caps from a sealed battery. You could spill acid on your skin or get it in your eyes. If your sealed battery needs service, take it to a qualified professional.
Never attempt to pry the sealed caps from a sealed battery. You could spill acid on your skin or get it in your eyes. If your sealed battery needs service, take it to a qualified professional.