Automotive
 Battery Service

Car Battery Inspection

Several things area looked at when determining a battery’s condition.

• Date code on the battery label. This tells you date the battery was installed in the vehicle. 
• Battery case condition. Check for damage to the case. Such things as cracks, loose terminal posts, and other signs of physical damage.
• Condition of the cables and terminals. Clean them as needed. 
• Battery hold-down and tray.

Battery terminal cable maintenance is the on most overlooked maintenance item. Battery terminal connection than have been become corroded are the most common cause of hard-starting or none starting.  Servicing the battery should be done at lease once a year.  For those who live in cold climates it should be done in the fall.

Safety Procedures For Car Batterys

 

1. Do not smoke near  the top of a battery, and never use a lighter of match as a flashlight.
2. Remove wrist watches and rings before servicing and part of the electrical system.  This helps to prevent the possibility of electrical arching and burns.
3. Even sealed, maintenance-free batteries have vents and can produce dangerous quantities of hydrogen if severely overcharge.
4. Always disconnect the battery's ground (negative) cable when working on the electrical system or engine.
5. A battery that has been overworked should be allowed to cool down and let air circulate around it before attempting to jump-start the vehicle.
6. Never connect or disconnect charger leads when the charger is turned on.  Doing so generates a dangerous spark.
7. Never lay metal tools or other objects on the battery, because a short circuit across the termials can result.  

Cleaning Top Post Car Batteries 

The post that is smallest in diameter is always the negative post.

1. Locate loosen and remove the negative battery cable. 
2. Locate loosen and remove the positive battery cable. 
3. Remove the battery hold-down hardware and any heat shields. 
4. Remove the battery from the car. 
5. Mix a solution of baking soda and water. 
6. Brush the baking soda solution over the battery case. Don't let the solution enter the cells of the battery. 
7. Flush the baking soda off with pure water. 
8. Use a wire brush to remove corrosion from the hold-down hardware. 
9. Brush the baking soda solution over the hold-down hardware and then flush with water. 
10. Allow the hardware to dry, then paint with corrosion proof paint.  
11. Use a terminal cleaner brush to clean the battery cables. 
12. Use a terminal cleaner brush to clean the battery posts. 
13. Install the battery back into the tray.  Also install the hold-down hardware. 
14. Install the positive battery cable.  Then install the negative cable. 

 It is important to always remove the negative cable first and to reinstall it last. This helps prevent sparks around the battery which could cause the battery to explode.  Don't be afraid of it but be careful and wear your safety glasses.

Cleaning Side Post Car Batteries

• Because of there location, side post batteries require somewhat less maintenance.  This does not mean they should not be checked once a year.  Follow the steps above and service it just as you would a top post battery.  If you don't have the tool shown, a 5/16 or an 8 mm wrench will work.  I would recommend you get the right tool, it will make the job easier and safer.  Each of the tools shown on this page can be purchased for under $10.00 USD.  A good investment that will last you years.

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