The parts in your vehicle can go a long way when they’re taken care of. All systems need some form of maintenance from time to time.
Did you know that there’s even a way to maintain your car battery? It’s called a battery service.
Several problems can cause batteries to fail. The battery service addresses one of them: corrosion.
When is a battery service needed?
We recommend a battery service whenever we see corrosion on the battery terminal ends. This corrosion builds up as a result of a chemical reaction.
The metals between the terminal ends and the posts of the battery make great continuity, but they do not like each other.
A battery service was performed on a Toyota Camry, which had acid covering the top of the battery.
Corrosion had also collected on one of the battery terminals.
Why do we recommend servicing your battery?
Ford Focus battery service
You will want to service the battery when you see corrosion or there’s poor battery test contact.
You may attach a battery tester and it says, “check clamps” or something similar. When you wiggle them around, they don’t seem to make contact. That could be obstructing the test.
A battery service provides you with cleaner contact when turning your vehicle on, because the starter absorbs a massive amount of voltage as it starts your car.
This maintenance can give you better cranking power.
What happens during a battery service?
The battery service starts with putting in a memory saver on the OBDII port. We don’t want to wipe out all of the electronics, which would – most of the time – default to factory settings.
Then, we disconnect the terminal ends and use a tool to clean them. This female tool can go into the holding clamps. A female tool is used to clean the posts on the battery.
Anti-corrosion pads are installed to reduce the chemical reaction that causes corrosion buildup on the terminal ends.
Once the pads are added, we reattach the terminal ends, torque to the correct specification, and remove the memory saver.
The process ends with testing the battery to make sure it’s working properly.
How do I know when I need a new battery?
Battery test on Honda Civic.
Sometimes, a battery service is the right option for your car. Other times, it might be due for a battery replacement.
High quality batteries typically last about 5 years. A battery’s lifespan will depend on the quality of the battery and battery terminals, the battery hold down, the driving environment, and other factors.
You may need a new battery if you’re having trouble starting your vehicle. The battery light could turn on, as well.
A weak battery might also be found when you bring it to a shop.
What happens during a battery test?
Our technicians test the battery as part of the courtesy inspection. They look at the charging system and starter, too. The tester performs a health check up on the battery, including the voltage and cold cranking amps (CCA).
Wherever you take your car, make sure the technicians use a good battery tester – not a cheap one.
Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Lake Ridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.