• For one, clean your terminals intermittently with a wire brush to ensure good connectivity.
• Check the terminals and wires for corrosion and rust and examine the battery for cracks or leaks, all sure signs that you’ll be left on the side of the road somewhere down the line.
• If you happen to leave your lights on or otherwise drain the battery, be sure to jump start it correctly following these guidelines and keep the car running for at least 30 minutes to charge it.
• When the first frost comes, you may want to take your car into the nearest parts or service center for a quick two-minute check to see if your battery is in a good range, particularly if it’s three years old or more.
• If you’re embarking on a long trip and can’t remember the last time you changed your battery, now might be a good time. It’s better to replace an inexpensive part in your hometown than to be stranded along Rt. 95 at the mercy of the local repair shop.
• Basic care can help lengthen your batteries life and keep you in the driver’s seat instead of under the hood.