Why You Should Always Service a Battery Even If You Think You Don't Need to
If you've bought a new battery recently, you may have seen the words "maintenance free" on the exterior casing. This may have led you into a false sense of security as you imagine that you do not need to look at the battery again once you have tucked it away inside the engine bay. Yet you should certainly take good care of the battery if you want to extend its service level as long as possible, no matter what it says "on the tin." So, how should you look after your battery instead?
Checking the Overall Health
It's a good idea to get hold of a voltmeter, a relatively cheap device that you can get from your local parts store. With this device, you can check the stabilised voltage, which indicates the battery's general health. You could also use a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity of the battery electrolyte, but this only works when the vent caps on top of the battery are removable.
Avoid Dirt and Grime
Always keep the area on top of the battery as clean as possible and avoid a buildup of grime. Look at the terminals, cables and clamps to see that they are still tight and firm. You want to avoid a buildup of surface corrosion as well. Any dirt or corrosion can lead to a discharge, and as this could develop into an ongoing problem, it could cause the battery to work harder than it should and reduce usable life.
Inspecting the Casing
Have a look at the battery casing for signs of any issue. If you notice some swelling, warping or bulging, the battery may have become overcharged or could be overheating to a degree. You need to ask an auto electrician for their advice if this is the case and may need to replace the battery as well.
The Meaning of Maintenance-Free
Certainly, you may not need to check to see if there is enough electrolyte within the battery as this is what is meant by "maintenance-free." Modern batteries do not require this type of maintenance. Also, these maintenance-free batteries may have a "state of charge" indicator. These are designed to be foolproof and tell you when you need to charge or replace the battery.
Getting the Work Done
If you'd rather not mess around with anything under the bonnet, ensure that you get the vehicle into a qualified mechanic at regular intervals. They will service the battery and carry out any other inspections elsewhere as needed. For more information, contact a car battery provider in your area.