Why Does Your Car Battery Need Maintenance | Kearny Mesa, CA

I like to do the auto maintenance on my older car myself. I am confident in my abilities and can tackle most minor repairs and part replacements when they come up. However, some motorists may need more guidance regarding do-it-yourself auto maintenance. Below is some useful information about car battery types and helpful tips on dealing with corrosion and maintenance in Kearny Mesa, CA.

Car Battery Types

Not all car batteries are created equal. They come in different types, sizes, terminal styles, and lifespans. And with more non-traditional (combustion) vehicles on the road than ever before, choosing the correct car battery is vital. Not only have cars changed over the last few decades, but batteries have evolved, too. The car battery you remember picking up at Sears for Grandpa’s old work truck in the 1970s isn’t acceptable for your modern car with all its electronic accessories.

12-Volt Traditional Car Battery

Most automobile batteries used by vehicles made in the late twentieth century through now are lead-acid, flooded cell batteries. Flooded cell batteries contain a liquid electrolyte, which you can replenish with distilled water. This battery type is the OG version most of us are familiar with.

• Sealed versions of flooded cell batteries, called ‘no-maintenance’ or ‘maintenance free’ don’t require (or even allow) refilling.
• Gel cell batteries are a slightly newer car battery design. They share the same advantages of a liquid electrolyte without the tendency to spill when tipped over. Gel cell batteries are easy to keep stable at all temperatures, making them a relatively effective choice for various driving conditions. 

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Car Battery

The AGM car battery is an even newer type that stands up to repeated draining and recharging cycles better than the original flooded cell battery. AGMs are now standard in most modern cars equipped with fuel-saving stop-start systems and numerous electronic safety features.

High-Voltage Lithium-Ion Car Battery

Most all-electric and hybrid-electric vehicles use lithium-ion cell battery packs. The voltage rates for lithium-ion batteries vary. Auto manufacturers use 100V to 300V on electric-hybrid vehicles, while all-electric autos may regularly use 400V. New designs from automotive engineers put 800V batteries in the near future for a faster charging, longer-lasting battery option.

Car Battery Maintenance

While your car battery does not need a lot of maintenance, you shouldn’t ignore it completely. If you take your vehicle in for its oil changes, ask your service technician if they clean and test the battery during the service. If they do not, you can add it or do the maintenance at home. Here’s how to safely maintain your auto battery to prolong its life:

Remove Corrosion

Clean any corrosion from the auto battery top and cables with a tablespoon of baking soda, a little water, and a non-metallic brush (an old toothbrush works great). Rinse with cool, clean water. Then, disconnect both battery cables, starting with the negative side. Loosen the battery cable clamp bolts and gently twist (but don’t pry them off). Use a cable puller if they’re stuck. Once the cables are free of the terminals, continue cleaning any newly exposed corrosion from the terminals and cables.

Check Battery Cables Connection

Once your cables and connections are clean, reattach them and ensure they are good and tight. It’s not necessary to over-tighten them, but they should not wiggle around.

Tighten Straps

All car battles have a strap, clamp, or storage box to fasten your battery. Check that the battery hold-down clamp is nice and secure. It is dangerous to have a loose battery rattling around your engine compartment.

Annual Car Battery Testing

Schedule battery load-testing with your service technician annually once your car battery is two years old if you live in a warm climate or four years old if you live in a cold climate. Annual inspections and testing gauge how well your car battery holds voltage while in use and give you an idea of when it’s time for a replacement.

High-Voltage EVs and Hybrids

Please note that many auto manufacturers do not recommend battery maintenance by the car owner on high-voltage battery packs in electric and hybrid vehicles. Always read your owner’s manual before attempting any battery maintenance on your EV or hybrid. Not only is it potentially dangerous if done incorrectly, but it may void your factory warranty. It’s best to leave this service to the professionals.

Car Battery Service in Kearny Mesa, CA

At Wentworth Automotive in Kearny Mesa, CA, we are experts at auto repairs. Whether your vehicle needs car battery maintenance (removing corrosion), testing and recharging, or it’s time for a replacement, our service team has you covered. 

Schedule Car Battery Maintenance & Testing

Call us at (858) 541-1044 or visit our website in Kearny Mesa, CA or more information and to schedule your car battery service reservation.