How to Keep Truck Batteries Well Maintained
Well-maintained truck batteries are essential for safe driving.
Truck batteries require maintenance and care to ensure you can start your truck in any climate. Especially during cold winter months and hot summer ones, you should be checking your truck batteries often and cleaning them when necessary. What can you be doing regularly to keep your vehicle’s batteries maintained?
Check Your Truck Batteries
Checking your truck batteries is the first step to keeping them running smoothly. If you’re having trouble turning over your truck, like with a hard start, double-check the battery’s state. Depending on the type of battery you need for your vehicle, a full charge could be 12.6 or 12.8 volts. You can test your battery’s charge by using a conductance tester if you have one. Be sure also to check the connections and ensure they’re fastened tightly.
Use the Right Battery Type
Do you know which battery type is right for your truck? Using the wrong size or type of truck battery is more common than you think. Failure to use the correct type can hurt the overall lifespan and cause breakdowns or an inability to start. When looking for new truck batteries, pay attention to the cranking and cold-cranking amps. This can be especially important when you’re driving through different climates and altitudes.
Check and Clean The Terminals If Needed
Corrosion can speed up the wear and tear on your truck batteries. If you haven’t cleaned your battery in a while, your truck may not start or run smoothly. While inspecting your batteries, check the connection terminals for any corrosion. You can clean off any residue by scrubbing them with a wire brush and a baking soda and water mixture.
Refill the Water in the Cells
Can you remember the last time you refilled your truck batteries? You should be checking the water levels at least every other week and more often during summer or if you’re driving through hot climates. When refilling, use distilled water and only fill up to the lines. Ensure your caps are all in place, and you should be good to go!
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