- 1). Check that your battery is seated correctly and fastened firmly into the battery tray. Vibration is a common cause of battery failure, so making sure all screws and clips are in place is a simple way to extend battery life.
- 2). Clean the terminals of any corrosion build-up. Build-up comes between the power source (battery) and the cables and blocks the current. Often cleaning the terminals and tightening the clamps on what you thought was a dead battery brings it miraculously back to life. Clean them by scraping away build-up with your pliers or screwdriver.
- 3). Insulate the battery. This means having the right size battery in the compartment. Too large a battery means no room for insulation. Harsh weather conditions like freezing cold and high heat take a serious toll on a car battery. Providing insulation around the battery will extend its useful life.
- 4). Clean the outside of the battery with a damp rag. Dirt and other matter on the casing are capable of leaching the power from the battery.
- 5). Refill the battery cells with clean water if the plates become exposed. It is another common cause of battery failure. The loss of electrolyte is easily remedied. Some experts recommend checking your battery's water level once a month.
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