How to Check Your Car Battery

Keeping your new or used car running properly requires taking care of a wide range of service options including changing the oil, adding fluids, and making sure your battery is properly charged. Not enough people think of the latter and they end up with a dead battery at the worst time. Checking your battery regularly will ensure it isn’t running low on power so you can keep moving without missing a beat. Learn more about how to check battery life with the service experts at Biggers Mazda!

How to Check Battery Life

Before you begin, you should make sure to avoid any of these dangerous situations while checking your battery. These include:

• Smoking
• Leaving the engine running
• Removing the cables in the correct order: the negative cable first, then the positive
• Reattaching the cables in the correct order: the positive cable first, then the negative
• Make sure you also check for a powder or dust on your battery before working on it. Wipe it off when it’s disconnected to avoid fire potential.

When checking your battery, you also want to be aware of how long your particular model’s battery is expected to last. Car batteries may last differently if they are for sedans or SUVs. For instance, the Mazda6 battery life is between 3 to 4 years, while the Mazda CX-5 battery life is between 3 to 5 years. While there’s a slight difference, it’s still important to keep in mind.

Checking Your Battery

Carefully inspect your battery once you’ve taken off the cables and wipe it down with a static-free rag to break away any battery acid or power that may be around the connecting rods. Use a baking soda and water mix to break apart any hard to remove stains. Then carefully dry the battery cables with a static-free rag.

Testing Your Battery

Take your battery tester and apply the positive cable first and then the negative cable. Your battery tester should immediately test your charge. If it is within your manufacturer’s suggested charge (should be printed on the battery) you’re fine. Most testers have a gauge that should let you know whether or not your battery is fully charged. If it isn’t, remove the cables immediately and consider charging it with a battery charger. If it’s fully charged, remove your cables positive first, negative last.

Cracks and Breaks

After you’ve tested your battery power, check the battery for structural damage such as breaks in the side or cracks. Your battery should be immediately replaced if it has body damage, even if your battery is fully charged.

Get Your Car Battery Checked at Biggers Mazda

Now that you know more about how to check battery life for your car, you can ensure your vehicle has plenty of power to keep you moving on St Charles roads. Find more helpful service guides at Biggers Mazda and save on your next visit our service specials and coupons. Contact us today for more information on checking your battery, and schedule an appointment at our service center in Elgin!