Car Battery Maintenance
Your car's battery is one of the most critical aspects of your vehicle, and it must be treated as such. Regular car battery maintenance is vital in ensuring that your battery lasts as long as possible and that you aren't overextending it. Keeping your car battery adequately maintained is especially important in the freezing winters of Prince Edward Island when you don't want to be stuck outside due to your car battery being dead. Keep reading to learn some top tips for battery maintenance to keep you and your car's battery running for as long as possible.
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Inspect Your Battery
Knowing where your battery is is essential in ensuring there is no corrosion or other buildup that can cause it to deteriorate faster. Our winters are unforgiving, and it's vital to look at your battery every few weeks to ensure that it is clean of corrosion on terminals, presents a voltage of approximately 12.4V, doesn't look swollen or bloated, and is safely and securely mounted with clean connections. Contact us if you need help locating your battery or would like to schedule a service appointment here at Charlottetown Mitsubishi.
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Find the Age of Your Battery
Batteries are not meant to last forever, and it is recommended that you replace your battery every three to five years. Staying mindful of your battery's age and preparing ahead of time can help you if your battery dies. If your battery is starting to look old and weathered, it is probably time for a change. You can also visit our service centre if your battery is old or has died and needs replacement.
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Check the Terminals
Every battery has terminals. These are the positive and negative plates to which you would connect your booster cables. Ensure that these terminals are clean and dry and do not suffer from corrosion. If they seem dirty or corroded, try cleaning them off using a wire brush, baking soda and water, or battery cleaner.
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Plug in Your Vehicle or Park Inside When Possible
During the winter months, it is recommended that you plug your vehicle in to warm up the battery a few hours before you head out. Plugging your car into a block heater makes it easier on your engine and battery during freezing temperatures and helps reduce emissions. Parking inside a garage also helps to minimize the time that your car is out in freezing temperatures and extends your vehicle's battery life.