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A car battery is with no doubt one of the most important parts of a vehicle. Without it the engine won't start since it won't provide the charge to put the vehicle in motion. Due to this particular reason it is very important to perform car battery maintenance once in a while in order to ensure that it works properly and that you will be able to travel with your vehicle whenever you want without any problems.

First of all you should make sure that its terminals are free from corrosion and dirt. Corrosion usually occurs when the metal of the terminal gets oxidized, so it is highly recommended that you clean off these terminals with a wire brush until all is removed. Afterwards you should wipe them with some baking soda paste in order for them to get fully cleaned.

Another thing that you should do is to check and see if the battery is not wet and if it's clean. Most batteries usually lose some charge mostly because it is basically impossible to keep each and every electron of the battery material to transfer a charge. Moisture and dirt usually act as conductive agent that allow this energy to go to waste, therefore it is important to keep the battery dry and clean.

It is also beneficial to check the battery's charge with a tester once in a while. By using this tester you will be able to determine whether or not the charge level of the battery is optimal. The main reason for using a tester is to see if your battery is leaking energy or if the overall condition of the battery allows proper energy conversion. After you performed these checks it is highly recommended that you take the appropriate action and clean the battery and the terminals and also the electrolyte solution if necessary.

Last but not least, you should follow the manufacturer's instruction thoroughly when using the charger. It is not recommended to charge a dead battery; however, if you really need to do so, make sure that your charging device is connected properly. Using improper connections can seriously damage your battery and make it useless. In addition, make sure that you take all the safety cautions when working with your battery. Check and make sure that there are no open flames nearby; chemicals contained inside are extremely combustible so make sure that you keep that in mind before attempting to work around a battery. Also, if electrolyte gets on your skin or clothes, neutralize it at once with a mixture of water and baking soda.

Pfefferle Tire and Automotive Service is a two generation, family owned and operated repair shop.  Our services include quick lube service, tires and auto repair, and routine maintenance.  What sets us apart from other shops?  Our technicians do not work on commission, so there is no need for them to oversell.  We like to say, "We advise and you decide!"

Contact Pfefferle Tire and Auto Service to schedule your preventive maintenance appointment! (513) 829-1900