DUBAI, UAE. October 13, 2019 – A healthy battery is one of the many key components to proper vehicle operation. It helps start the engine and helps keep the electronics running. It also lets you charge your phone and play your music – even when the engine is off.
As you might expect, automotive
batteries gradually lose power over time, and hot weather is especially hard on
them – but a few simple preventive measures will go a long way toward keeping your
car battery in tip-top condition.
Safety
One of the main safety concerns with batteries is the small possibility of
shock. Car batteries are referred to as “lead-acid” because they contain lead
plates submerged in sulphuric acid to store and release electricity.
Even if it’s too weak to
start your car, a battery may still be able to give you a shock –
so don’t smoke near it. Also, be careful
with tools when tightening or loosening terminal connectors; tools can easily
slip and bridge the gap between the positive and negative terminals, which
could lead to burns or a shock
Maintenance
Keep the cable connections clean and tight. Corroded battery terminals and
connectors will compromise the ability of the starter motor to draw current
from the battery, and for the charging system to keep it topped up. You can
remove corrosion from the terminals and connectors with a stiff brush, sandpaper
or a wire brush.
If the battery has caps that let you check the water level, keep it up to the full-mark, usually just under an inch from the top of the cell. You can use distilled water but tap water is also fine. Do wear eye protection – safety glasses or goggles – when doing so.
The battery is normally held
in place with a retaining strap – and this should be tightly clamped so the
battery can’t slide around.
Jump-starting
If the battery is sound but too weak to start your car, the alternator may be
able to recharge it as you drive. The trick is to get the car going, and
jump-starting will often do the job. But before you get out the cables, check
your vehicle’s owner’s manual for detailed instructions of what to do. Some
carmakers advise against jump-starting to protect the car’s electronics from a
power surge.
Some batteries have a “state of charge” indicator: a fully charged battery has a coloured indicator, usually green or red. Black or clear means the battery is completely discharged and you should not try to recharge or jump-start it.
If you don’t know why your battery went dead, get it checked. Almost any dealership service department can check the condition of your battery and charging system in a matter of minutes and many will perform this service free of charge for loyal service customers.
Your nearest Quick Lane Service Centre will complete this service without the need for an appointment. Every Quick Lane Service Centre keeps stocks of batteries for all makes of vehicle from Motorcraft (Ford) and Omincraft (all other makes). You can find your nearest Quick Lane Service Centre by clicking this link.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 196,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Ford’s history in the Middle East goes back more than 60 years. The company’s local importer-dealers operate more than 155 facilities in the region and directly employ more than 7,000 people, the majority of whom are Arab Nationals. For more information on Ford Middle East, please visit www.me.ford.com.
Ford Middle East is also a responsible corporate citizen with currently various CSR initiatives running in the region including the Ford Motor Company Conservation & Environmental Grants, Ford Warriors in Pink® breast cancer awareness campaign, Ford Driving Skills for Life for young drivers and the Henry Ford Entrepreneurship Academy education initiative for young entrepreneurs.