Your car's battery faces additional challenges as the temperature rises during the summer months. So, Andys Motor Oils in Santa Barbara shares a few pointers to improve car battery maintenance in the summertime.

Summer is here, and it's time to hit the road. Call Andys Motor Oils in Santa Barbara at (805) 350-2782 to enjoy sunny adventures with the help of AMSOIL products. Don't forget to stop by the brand's website to learn new ways to maintain your car's performance.

Perform Regular Battery Inspections

Regular battery inspections are crucial to catch any issues early on. So, to improve car battery maintenance, start by identifying potential problems to prevent battery failure.

Safety First

Before starting the inspection, ensure the engine is turned off, and the keys are removed from the ignition. Wear safety goggles and protective gloves to safeguard yourself from any potential hazards. In most vehicles, the battery is located in the engine compartment. It is a rectangular or square-shaped box typically with two terminals: positive (+) and negative (-).

Check for Physical Damage

Inspect the battery casing for visible signs of physical damage, such as cracks, dents, or leaks. During your inspections, pay close attention to the top and sides of the battery and the battery terminals and connections. Don't forget that corrosion can appear as a whitish or bluish substance on the terminals and can hinder the flow of electricity.

Inspect the Vent Caps

Some batteries have vent caps located on top. Vent caps are vital in releasing excess gas produced during battery operation. Thus, you must inspect these caps to ensure they remain in place and are not damaged or missing.

Look for Swelling or Bulging

A swollen or bulging battery is a sign of internal damage or overheating. Carefully examine the sides and edges of the battery to check for any abnormal shapes or bulges.

Note Unusual Odors

If you notice any unusual smells coming from the battery, such as a rotten egg-like odor, it could indicate a malfunction or potential leakage. Also, if you notice any significant damage or leakage or are unsure about any findings during the visual inspection, seek professional assistance from a qualified mechanic or battery specialist.

The scorching summer heat can put extra strain on your car's engine. Stock up on your AMSOIL products for this season or call (805) 350-2782, and the oil pros at Andys Motor Oils in Santa Barbara will suggest the best formulas for your vehicle's needs.

Keep the Battery Clean and Corrosion-Free

To improve car battery maintenance, you must clean the car's battery terminals, cables, and surrounding areas. This step is crucial to ensure proper electrical connections and prevent corrosion. Follow these steps to safely clean these components:

Gather the Necessary Supplies

You will need safety gloves, safety goggles, a wire brush or battery terminal cleaner, baking soda, water, a small brush (such as an old toothbrush), and a clean cloth.

Disconnect the Battery

Start by turning off the car's engine and removing the keys from the ignition. Locate the negative (-) and positive (+) battery terminals. Disconnecting the negative terminal first is crucial to prevent any accidental short circuits. Loosen the terminal clamp nuts or bolts using the appropriate tools and gently remove the cables from the terminals.

Look for Corrosion

Once the terminals are disconnected, inspect them and the surrounding areas for any signs of corrosion, which appears as a white or bluish powdery substance. Corrosion can impede proper electrical flow and cause starting issues.

Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in a small container with a cup of warm water. Stir the mixture until the baking soda is dissolved. Baking soda is a mild alkaline solution that helps neutralize acid and remove corrosion.

Clean the Terminals

Dip the small brush or an old toothbrush into the baking soda solution and scrub the battery terminals and cable connectors. Focus on removing the corrosion and built-up dirt or debris. Gently brush in a circular motion, taking care not to dislodge or damage any wiring.

Clean the Cable Ends

While cleaning the terminals, clean the cable ends using the same baking soda solution and brush. Ensure all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned. After scrubbing, rinse the battery terminals, cable ends, and surrounding areas with clean water. Use a spray bottle or a damp cloth to remove any residual baking soda solution.

Dry and Inspect

Use a clean cloth to thoroughly dry the terminals, cable ends, and surrounding areas. Ensure they are completely dry before reattaching the cables.

Reconnect the Battery

Begin by reconnecting the positive (+) cable to the positive terminal and the negative (-) cable to the negative terminal. Tighten the terminal clamp nuts or bolts securely. Lastly, give the terminals and cable connections a final inspection to ensure they are clean, secure, and free from corrosion or debris.

Are you planning a long road trip or frequently commuting during the summer? Use AMSOIL's Heavy-Duty Metal Protector to prevent battery corrosion! Contact Andys Motor Oils in Santa Barbara or buy this product directly from the AMSOIL online store.