Battery Care and Maintenance Tips -EricTheCarGuy
Battery Care and Maintenance tips was actually suggested by my good friend and forum moderator at EricTheCarGuy.com, College man aka Paul Krawsek. I thought it was a great idea for a video so I ran with it.
The batteries in our vehicles are often overlooked until they don’t work. With a little time, some relatively inexpensive tools, and a basic knowledge of what to look for, you can keep your battery working for a very long time. You’ll also know if the battery isn’t on it’s way out before there is a failure. No on likes getting stranded and this is a good way to prevent that.
I hope the tips in this video are helpful and help you take care of your automotive batteries.
Thanks for watching.
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: http://www.ericthecarguy.com
More info on battery maintenance: http://www.batterystuff.com/kb/articles/battery-articles/battery-basics.html
Information on Specific Gravity: http://support.rollsbattery.com/support/articles/4347-measuring-specific-gravity
Tools and Other Stuff
Zep Battery Cleaner: http://www.zepautomotive.com/product/Battery-Cleaner-Protector?gclid=CMPSjPCPisQCFY-EaQodkyEAuA
Battery Holder/Carrier Tool: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/atd-tools-5486-heavy-duty-battery-carrier/#oid=1002_1
Terminal Cleaner: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/performance-tool-w147fb-battery-terminal-cleaner-each/#oid=1002_1
Battery Charger: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/clore-automotive-4506-6-12-volt-charge-it-smart-battery-charger/#oid=1002_1
Battery Load Tester: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/clore-automotive-1852-100-amp-battery-load-tester/#oid=1002_1
Battery Conductance Tester: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/midtronics-pbt50-battery-conductance-tester/#oid=1002_1
DVOM: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/electronic-specialties-480a-auto-ranging-digital-multimeter/#oid=1002_1
Battery Terminals: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/performance-tool-w1686c-deluxe-lead-battery-terminal/#oid=1002_1
Really Good Battery Terminals: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/audiopipe-x700p-battery-terminal-xxx-positive/#oid=1002_1
Battery Hold Down Kit: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/performance-tool-w1691c-crossbar-battery-hold-down/#oid=1002_1
Related Videos
Alternator/Charging System Diagnosis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTGz0PKIl84
Starter Diagnosis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKjdnQ0sHQc&feature=relmfu
Checking Battery Terminals: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ze7pzrhRIs
Parasitic draw: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF1gijj03_0
Basic Electrical troubleshooting 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLVu2HYtOhA
Basic Electrical troubleshooting 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVSvA0y-peA
Testing Relays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWmt6gorzUg
Electronics Are Stupid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmmMpKOx3cU
Discussion about this video: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/18-The-EricTheCarGuy-Video-Forum/56828-battery-care-and-maintenance-tips#129976
Useful articles.
Engine overheat: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/what-to-do-when-your-engine-overheats
No start problems: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-no-start-problems
Idle issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-idle-problems
Performance issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-performance-issues
Diagnosing Noises: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/diagnosing-noises-in-your-car
Diagnosing Vibrations: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/determining-the-causes-of-vehicle-vibrations
Electrical Problems: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-electrical-problems
HVAC problems: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-hvac-problem
Leaks: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-leaks
MPG: http://ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-the-causes-of-poor-mpg
Social Network Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricTheCarGuy?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricTheCarGuy
Google+: https://plus.google.com/100195180196698058780/posts
Instagram: http://instagram.com/ericthecarguy
Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.
PS: If you have access to the water, you can also gauge the condition of each individual cell, via a probe measurement. (Takes some skill and tools, but shows condition almost exactly). Note that at the ends, it is only a half-cell voltage level.
Terimakasih❤🎉🙏🙏
Great video Eric….just ordered a load tester and a battery post cleaner… bin working on my own cars for over 45 years and never come across those little brushes…cool little mother’s…
Maintenance free yeah right 😂 i always check the voltage and load test plus. When it vents just alittle i clean it off with baking soda and water. I make my batteries last more 3 years at least.
I’m not much of a car guy, but I notice that the battery cables are both red, WHY? I’M sure it doesn’t matter, but just wondering.
Good❤🎉
lol yoca-yola… never tasted it, sounds like something else Ive drunk in my experience… not exactly the name, just ambiguous enough 🙂
Sir, you are soo thorough! Awesome…
One most important tip for battery health is knowing the date code for when it was manufactured. Always check a batteries date code before purchase to make sure it isn’t old. All the cleaning , voltage checking and charging are ok, but knowing it’s age and setting a replacement date (5-6) yrs depending on brand ,type and usage are paramount. Especially if you live in a cold climate. I always put an easy viewable date code and record service dates. During service when the hood is up, no guessing is required .Knowing dates for repairs makes it easy for replacing parts.
THANK YOU, VERY GOOD INFORMATION.
You didn’t cover if the acid tester showed a low number.
Eric, Please correct me, but I’m confused. In this video while you you explain removal of the Neg (black) cable 1st, your hand taps the POS (red) cable & terminal. Then proceed to remove the POS (red) cable 1st? What gives? PS You are my "go to guy" for videos on ALL auto issues.!!! Thnx
You’re awesome!
I had a Duracell car battery. There was no way to perform any maintenance on it. It was completely sealed and could not be opened. It started smoking and sizzling and swelling. Never buy one of these. Had my wife not noticed the smell, it could have done thousands of dollars of damage to my vehicle and serious injury to us. Never buy a Duracell car battery.
Thanks for the cleaning tips on the battery housing which I was not aware of to cause problems.
Thank you!
Grandmas garage. .. ya we get it . U reccomend glasses and safety .. fix the problem hellen .. and keep fears closer to yourself..
At 8:02 he says acrosst instead of across. Now I don’t trust his advice.
Why do you tubers cover brand names like arm and hammer? I would think that the brand would be perfectly happy with them showing the brand.
That was real good Eric a pick up a few tips that I didn’t know about and Battery care thanks again love all of your videos keep up the good work👍
This video won me a bet on 2024. ETCG is the guy 🤘🏼🤘🏼
The so-called leakage voltage is actually a current (about 1/2 microamp) in this video. This will not drain your battery significantly (unless more than a million hours). BUT it DOES INDICATE the amount of boil-off vapor from the battery. The vapor contains battery acid (sulfuric) and this deposits on the cover. IF you get anything like this reading, you should look at the water-level. It will probably be low.
This is so very helpful in giving me an idea of how to maintain your battery. I have a question, Buying a new battery is kind of tricky for me, I don’t know about cars but I do know there is a spec need to know about it, w/c is I don’t have any idea. I do have a 2007 ford Taurus Sel what is your recommendation on what kind of battery should I buy it is cold now here in MO. Every time I have to start my car I have to do jump and wait for 15 to 30 min to charge. What kind of battery can handle the cold? or what is your recommendation? Thank you… I appreciate your help.
That battery cleaner removed the important information of the battery.
Will this work on a sealed car battery?
Didn’t know about the battery being clean. Good to know.
Caddy shack ball washer
One of the better 12V car battery videos I’ve seen. Showed a few techniques I’d never thought of before.
How can I have Eric be my personal mechanic? He knows more than I do about mechanics, and I know a lot!
Interesting about dirt conducting current. I wondered if that made a difference. I also didn’t know slow charging is better than fast so that info was useful.
I think those pads were designed to stop charge leaking to the surface of the battery by lifting the wires off the case with an insulator felt. Of course if they get dirty and conductive, so much for that function.
I don’t think that you were ysing a Carbon Pile tester. Your testee was possibly a Resistive element tester that draws about 80A current. Carbon pile testers current can be manually adjusted and can draw above 500A l.
I had a weird stalling problem where car worked fine until I got to highway speed, then would cut out. Turned out to be a loose battery terminal connection. Blew my mind.
And now I know why they have a insulator under the battery terminal.
I thought it was a gimmick!
I am planning to buy a new battery for my 2012 F-150 Lariat 5.0 4×4. Autozone has the Duralast Gold battery CCA 850 CA 1000. What battery would you recommend?
Do you need to remove the caps to charge a battery?
Quick question: Can a large fast battery charger be hooked up to the house batteries of a driving RV
Could this be why my car battery only last like 2-3 years? If I did the maintenance it would last longer? Thanks
Question .. should we stand infront of.. or behind the car while being driven ?
Old vid, I know BUUUUTTT dielectric grease AKA silicone paste is used instead of ‘axle grease’ on the cleaned and installed connectors/posts. It does NOT restrict the flow of electricity and keep em weather free! Love you Eric (platonically of course)!!
Safety with sally
Thanks for the lesson , but I did notice that the wires positive and negative are both red maybe put a green or black tape on the negative wire .
What would drain a brand new battery in less than 6 hours? I haven’t figured out why my car won’t start yet (fuel pressure issue on 05 civic) but I bought new battery thinking it would help & it was drained by car 11pm when I had purchased battery at 3:45pm & installed hour later.
Love these videos. I’m amazed how much of a drain a little dirt created! Good to know in dusty Az.
I used to test for good connection/hidden oxidation similarly. After getting solid read at posts, switch one probe to opposite clamp/terminal, also on wiring, looking for any fluctuation, then compare to initial voltage read. Repeat for other side. I used to use wire brushes until a few post and clamp got too worn to connect tightly. I started using a few drops of lime away for toilets(buck at $1 store). Just a quick scrub with sponge or toothbrush, wipe dry and it’s nice and shiny. I put a thin film of white silicone grease on exposed metal to displace air and prevent oxidation.
excellent video! Thank you. Can anyone tell me if it is best practice to remove the covers of my battery when charging it?
Yeah. You made me say wow watching a video about batteryz. Good job. I’m putting that in my things to remember
Videos like like always motivate me to get up and check things out for myself. I checked my voltage, and it was 12.12v. I checked for surface drain and got over 10v in some places. I cleaned it up with water and baking soda until i got 0 everywhere else. And when i checked voltage at the posts, 12.33v 👍. I know its not the 12.4 we want, but I feel a lot better than it being 12.12v. Thanks Eric!
old video and still learned something today. Never knew surface drain is a thing. Gonna have to check mine now.
Making use of the https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxcJ22tnHH9l1vjdIdEIG27iOG55P7LXI8 reconditioning plan, I just saved 2 auto batteries from being completely junked. The guides were very simple to follow. I wish I would have found this years ago! You may use the guide to recondition any battery type
wow that dirt bit blew my mind
i hope the master to make another video for adding distilled water to battery (when and how often,etc)