People often think that car batteries require very little maintenance, but in truth, they suffer wear and tear just like any other part of a car. This is why it’s so important to look after your car battery and regularly check that it’s in good working condition. Although car batteries do have a set expiry date that will indicate when you should start seeking a replacement, batteries can be unpredictable and may suffer a slow decline without any major outward signs. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when the alternative is being stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead car battery! So it’s advisable that you get your battery tested once every six months.

Beaurepaires has a long and proud history of tyre, wheel and battery expertise, and we’re always happy to help you with any battery enquiries you might have. So if you’d like to get your car battery tested, simply call up or pop into your local Beaurepaires store and ask for a routine battery checkup. Your car will thank you for it!

We’ve also compiled a list of handy tips and suggestions that can help you to keep your car batteries in tip-top shape. Car battery maintenance is quick and simple to carry out and can even prolong your battery’s life in the long run.

• Before you check your car battery, make sure that you’ve taken safety precautions to protect yourself. Always wear safety goggles and a protective face guard, remove all jewellery and/or watches before you start, and disconnect the battery before any battery maintenance takes place. Make sure that you are working in a well-ventilated area, away from any open flames. 
• Check your car battery’s water levels every 1-2 months. The water should just be touching the bottom of the refill hole; any lower, and it needs to be topped up. Make sure that you only use distilled water to refill your battery water levels, as tap water can damage the battery, and mop up any spillage.
• Clean the battery terminals with a wire brush every 6-9 months to ensure a good connection. Gently remove the connectors from the battery terminal and use distilled water and baking soda to remove any grease, dirt and dried acid build-up. 
• Coat the battery with grease made for high temperatures. This will protect the battery from rust and corrosion.
• Check your battery insulator, if your car has one. Battery insulators protect batteries from high temperatures, so ensure that your insulator is in the correct place and undamaged.
• Make ensure that your battery is secure in its tray. Loose batteries can bash against, or even spill acid over, other parts of your car engine, which could cause major damage.
• Give your battery a cursory once-over to ensure there are no obvious cracks or terminal damage. If there are, you should replace your battery regardless of its performance.