Oil Changes and Tyre Pressures

Batteries are one of the components of a car that take the brunt of daily car operation. They provide the electrical power required to start the vehicle and operate all electrical and electronic components such as the on-board computer, dash lights, head lights, tail lights, air conditioner, etc. Unfortunately, many motorists don't usually give their car batteries enough attention with regards to routine maintenance. As a matter of fact, poor battery maintenance is one of the top reasons why many people don't get the most service life out of their auto batteries. 

If you're a car owner, you should ensure you battery is properly maintained to keep it functioning properly for the expected lifespan. Here are a few critical things that are usually done during car battery service performed by a professional auto technician. 

Battery cleaning

One of the major culprits behind unexpected battery failures is accumulation of corrosion on the battery terminals. The corrosion usually occurs because the electrolyte — the acid inside the battery — releases hydrogen gas at the terminals. The gas then mixes with other elements in the air below the bonnet of the vehicle to form the buildup that occurs on the terminals. Corrosion acts as an insulator to the flow of current. It can, therefore, stop the power supplied by the battery from reaching the alternator and starter motor, thus resulting in no-starts. To prevent this from happening, it is important to have corrosion removed from your battery on a periodic basis. 

When you take your car for routine battery service, your auto technician will clear corrosion from your battery terminals, contacts and around the top of your battery so as to ensure uninterrupted supply of power, but also lengthen the lifespan of the power-supplying component. For best results, the technician will make sure they use cleaning products and supplies recommended by your auto battery manufacturer.

Battery testing

Another important thing that your auto technician will do to ensure you enjoy reliable service from your car battery is to test it. Battery testing involves checking a battery's operating condition using a device known as a battery tester. More specifically, it involves determining the amount of charge present in a battery as well as its capacity to hold on to the charge. This kind of testing helps determine whether or not a battery can still work at maximum capacity and when replacement may be required.

Thanks to breakthroughs in the auto parts world, car battery manufacturers are now able to supply superior products to car owners. As battery technology advances, auto technicians that provide battery service are required to modernise their services accordingly to stay on top of their game. For more information on auto battery service, contact a certified mechanic.