How to prolong battery life

batteries in a good state?
You need to follow the basics the main one is to keep them clean. Any dirt or acid fumes that accumulate on the top of a battery must be cleaned to avoid conducting paths between positive and negative lugs. The same goes for sediment at the bottom of the battery casing.
How often should you check the water?
Once every three months with a new battery. Once a week, if the battery is older than 1½ years.
How do you remove the battery cap to add the water?
Batteries have different types of caps. Some have caps you can unscrew with your fingers and on others you will need to use a coin to unscrew them and in other cases you can pull them out with your hand.
Does it matter if you use tap water or distilled water?
Yes, you should use distilled water since it lacks the high mineral content present in tap water.
Tap water contains high amounts of lime. The lime settles in the battery compartment causing the development of a lime cell within the battery and inhibits the proper operation of the lead acid cell.
How much water should you put in?
Fill in water just a quarter of an inch from the battery cells.
What happens if you over fill the battery?
If you put too much water in the battery, when the car starts, the acid will spill.
The reaction inside the battery when the car is started causes the water level to rise.
If there is too much water in the battery, the rising water level from the reaction will cause the water to overflow.
This leads to the loss of valuable acid. The acid is the conduit in which the electricity flows.
The acid will cause corrosion if it comes in contact with metal. Be careful where you wash off the sediments caused by the corrosion since it will leave a stain. Big brown stains may not look too good in your garage.
What happens if the water runs too low?
Two serious problems occur by running the water level too low. There is an increase in heat and a deterioration of battery plates.
This restricts the battery from charging and destroys the battery plates. Just like overcharging, this destruction can take place in a matter of five months.
When should you check the voltage?
You should check the voltage if the battery light indicator on your dashboard remains on after starting the car. The light may also flash while driving.
What should the voltage read?
For modern gas cars it is suggested that the voltage be 20 percent more than the battery’s voltage when the car is running.
For example, with a 12-volt battery, the voltage reading when the car is on should be 14,4 volts. (20 percent of 12 volts is 2,4, which give 14,4 when added to 12)
What may be the cause of a low voltage reading?
A low charging rate from the alternator, a malfunctioning charging system or a defective battery.
How do you know when the battery needs changing?
You need to take it to a battery specialist and have it tested. The specialist will check if the battery is serviced properly. (i.e. checks the water level, voltage and its ability to deliver current)
Generally how often does it need changing? Exide batteries have a 3½-year life-                 span.
How can I extend the life of the battery?
Make sure the battery is properly serviced. Make regular water checks. Make sure battery terminal and leads are clean to ensure a good connection.
Leads can be cleaned with a steel brush or a terminal post cleaner. Make sure the battery is properly installed (i.e. battery hold down clamps should keep the battery from rocking).
The bumps that an unstable battery will receive, especially from driving through potholes, will knock about six to eight months off the life of the battery.
Install the appropriate battery to meet the power requirements of your vehicle. It is better to have reserved capacity than too little.
What causes the battery to lose power?
By taking out more than you are putting in. When the car is running, the car’s alternator recharges the battery.
If you do anything to use the battery’s power faster than it is being replaced, you will drain the battery.
High-powered amplifiers for car stereos are often the culprits of battery drain. When the car is off, the battery is not being recharged.
Therefore, running any appliance when the car is off will drain the battery. Leaving on the lights or playing the stereo when the car is off are common causes of battery drain.
Is there anything you should never do with a battery?
You should never expose it to flame.                     The gases emitted by batteries can be explosive.
Never short-circuit the battery. It may explode. Prevent water inside battery from coming in contact with skin or eyes, as it is acidic.
Never lean over the battery while it is charging or being jump-started. Do not lift the battery by it sides.
Applying pressure to the sides may cause the battery acid to spill, this is mostly the case in batteries with plastic cases. Use a battery carrier or lift it with your hands at opposite corners.