How to test a battery with a load fork. How to test a new battery before buying. Is it possible to restore an old battery?

All rechargeable batteries (AB) are discharged or become unusable during operation. To prevent a malfunction from catching you by surprise, you need to periodically check the battery. In addition, there are several methods for performing verification. More details on how to check a car battery will be discussed in this article.

Battery plays important role in the operation of a car, being one of the main elements of electrical equipment. The battery acts as a current source when engine not running. The battery's job is to perform several functions, including:

  • supplying current to the starter when starting the car;
  • power supply to all electrical devices when the engine is not running;
  • power supply of all electrical appliances along with the generator when the engine is running.

On a note! The joint operation of the battery with the generator makes it possible to ensure transient processes, which require a large amount of current. Moreover, when working together V electrical network current ripple is smoothed out.

The principle of operation of the battery is quite simple. Charged particles in the battery begin to move after being connected to a load. This leads to the formation of current. While charging the battery from a charger or generator, particles begin to move in reverse direction. This is due to the fact that the charge voltage exceeds the battery voltage, that is, its nominal value.

Signs of a bad battery

Some signs may indicate that your battery is dead or broken, including:

  • The engine started to start very sluggishly (the starter turns poorly). As a rule, this indicates a low battery charge, which is not enough to ignite fuel mixture, since the spark is quite weak;
  • The battery charge does not last for a long time. Most often, motorists encounter this problem in winter time, when a fully charged battery is only enough for a few engine starts. ABOUT rapid decline battery charge often indicates insufficient level electrolyte.

The car does not start well - a sign of a faulty battery

These signs cannot be ignored, since the battery can fail at the most inopportune time, for example, somewhere far outside the city. Therefore, at the first sign malfunction The battery needs to be diagnosed immediately.

Common Causes

Reasons Not proper operation There can be many batteries. Let's look at the most common of them:

  • driver inattention. Drivers often leave their car with electrical devices turned on (radio, indicators, light bulbs), which causes the battery to quickly discharge;
  • poor device maintenance. If you do not periodically clean the battery terminals, the risk of breakdown increases. This may also reduce the service life;
  • long-term use. All car parts have a service life. This also applies to the battery. After warranty period the battery will end, various processes may occur in it (sulfation, oxidation, etc.);
  • low quality electrical wiring. If poor-quality wiring was installed on the car, then over time it can rot and wear out, which causes short circuit or battery discharge;
  • errors when connecting electrical appliances. This may degrade battery performance and shorten battery life;
  • poor generator performance. If the generator is faulty, then while the engine is running it will not charge the battery normally. To troubleshoot the problem, it is necessary to carry out diagnostics.

In most cases, battery failures can be prevented. To do this, you need to carry out timely maintenance and repair your car only in high-quality workshops.

Methods for checking the battery

You can check the condition of the battery various methods, including diagnostics using a load plug, multimeter, charger. Also during the verification process is carried out visual inspection battery and electrolyte check. Now let's look at each method separately.

Visual inspection

External inspection is the first thing to do during an inspection car battery. At this stage, you can identify mechanical damage to the case, oxidation of the terminals or contamination of the battery surface. Experts recommend carrying out such a check regularly, since the cleanliness of the battery can also affect its functioning. The inspection procedure will not take much of your time, so it can be done every time you lift the hood.


On a note! Special attention When inspecting, it is necessary to pay attention to the battery terminals. Poor connections in these areas can cause active oxidation. Also inspect the battery case for mechanical damage, such as cracks.

If you find dust, dirt or oil on the surface of the battery, remove it with a rag. Without regular cleaning, the device will gradually lose its charge due to the formation of conductive deposits. This will lead to deterioration in battery performance. It would not be superfluous to check the reliability of the fastening elements.

Checking with a load fork

Step 1. Remove the cover from the positive terminal of the battery. This can be done by hand, without using any tools.



Step 2. Connect the positive wire of the load plug to the positive terminal of the battery (the one you exposed). As a rule, the positive wire on the device is colored red.



Step 3. Connect the negative wire of the load plug to the negative terminal of the battery.



Step 4. Connect the tip of the device (pin) to the positive terminal of the battery. In this case, you need to be extremely careful, since the metal pin can become very hot during operation.



Step 5. Check the voltage meter reading. If accumulator battery V good condition, the voltage should be between 12.4 and 12.7 volts. Upon completion of the procedure, you need to install the cover back on the positive terminal.



Checking electrolyte density

Checking the electrolyte in the battery is another diagnostic method. To do this, you need to disconnect the terminals from it and place the battery on a flat surface. Then unscrew all the caps of the electrolyte containers and look inside. Under normal circumstances, the liquid level should be slightly above the edge lead plates(by about 10 mm).


To take a more accurate measurement, use a hydrometer or a special graduated tube, which must be placed inside the battery to the very bottom. After this, close the top of the tube with your finger and pull out the tube to measure the electrolyte level. Norm in in this case– this is 10-15 mm. It is much easier to check using a hydrometer. To do this, simply take a sample of the electrolyte (this can be done from absolutely any jar). If everything is in order and the battery is fully operational, then the device should show a value in the region of 1.28 g/cm3. The recommended replacement frequency is 1-2 times a year.



Using a multimeter

First you need to understand what a multimeter is. This special device, used to measure voltage. If you do not have such a device, you can borrow it from friends or neighbors. It is worth noting that the multimeter is not expensive, so if you plan to independently repair electrical equipment on your car in the future, then you will need it. A digital multimeter is best suited for this purpose - it is more practical. So, let's start checking.

Step 1. First you need to turn off the car and turn off the ignition.



Step 2. Remove the cover from the positive terminal of the battery. Check and clean the terminals from dirt if necessary.



Step 3. Connect the positive lead of the multimeter to the positive terminal of the battery. As noted earlier, the positive terminal on a voltmeter is usually red.



Connect the "plus" of the multimeter to the battery

Step 4. Connect the negative lead of the multimeter to the negative terminal of the battery.



Now connect the negative of the multimeter to the battery

Step 5. Check the multimeter readings. If your battery is in good condition, the voltage should be between 12.4 and 12.7 volts. A reading of less than 12.4 volts means that the battery needs to be recharged.



If the readings exceed 12.9 volts, then this battery excess tension. Turn on the headlights and others electrical devices to eliminate excessive surface tension charge. Typically, excessive voltage indicates that the car's alternator is overloaded by the battery. After completing the procedure, reinstall the terminal cover.

Using a charger

If your garage has Charger with a digital display, you can check the battery charge level without using a voltmeter. The procedure is not complicated, anyone can handle it. The main rule of such a test is that the charger should not be connected to an outlet, as this may affect the readings of the device.


To check the battery, you need to connect the charger to its terminals. Accordingly, connect the positive wire to the positive terminal, and the negative wire to the negative terminal. After this, turn on the device by pressing the special button on its body. This will run the test and then read the results.

Checking the battery without special instruments

You can check your car battery without using various instruments. Many manufacturers install special sensors on batteries that indicate the charge level. If you do not know how to use such a sensor, read the instructions. Manufacturers often place necessary information on the battery housing itself.


Another method of checking is using headlights. Turn on the low beam on a cold (cooled) car for 5 minutes and watch the light. During this time, the brightness should not disappear. If the light still fades, this usually indicates a faulty battery. The same test, but using sound signal instead of headlights. Turn on the ignition and wait 1 minute. Then beep several times - if the sound is loud, then everything is fine, if it is quiet, then you need to recharge the battery.

Important! If during the test the battery becomes very hot (to do this, check it by touch), then using it further may be dangerous to the driver’s health. The fact is that a quickly heating battery can explode. In this case, it is better not to risk it and buy a new battery.

As a conclusion

After reading the instructions, you know how to check the car battery for serviceability and what may be needed for this. But to avoid various malfunctions Battery, you need to follow some recommendations for care and operation:

  • regularly carry out diagnostics of electrical wiring, generator and other elements of the on-board network;
  • monitor the electrolyte level and its density;
  • periodically charge the battery using a charger (every 3 months);
  • keep the battery clean, regularly remove accumulated dust, dirt, electrolyte and oil residues;
  • clean oxidized battery terminals by treating them afterwards special lubricant, which is used for electrical contacts.

Checking a car battery without special instruments

We hope that our article was useful to you, dear motorists, and you emphasized something new for yourself. If you have any suggestions or additions, you can leave them below in the comments.

Video - Checking the performance of a car battery

Is your old battery not up to standard and you decide to replace it with a new one? But how not to make a mistake in choosing and buy a quality product?

When purchasing, you need to be vigilant and pay attention to the smallest details. You need to check the battery and other components before purchasing.

External inspection

Carefully inspect the surface of the product. If transported incorrectly, the surface of the material is deformed. This may cause electrolyte leakage. Even a small, unnoticeable crack will allow liquid to leak during battery operation.

You can return goods with visible mechanical damage upon presentation warranty card or a check. Carefully inspect the surface for chips, cracks, scratches and other damage, this will save you money own time and strength.

The date of manufacture plays a big role when purchasing. It is important that the shelf life of the goods in the warehouse does not exceed six months. If the period is exceeded, then the probability of a 100% charge is minimal. The battery has partially exhausted its resource and needs to be charged. In this case, you can count on a discount from the seller.

Inspection current leads

The terminals are equipped protective covers. Caps are usually installed on the “plus” or on all terminals. If they are not included, the product has been used previously.

The terminals must be strictly vertical and perpendicular to the battery cover. If the current lead is bent or tilted, the battery has already been used. Most often this happens if you overtighten the terminal with a wrench, thereby damaging its integrity.

A deformed outlet will peel off from the plates and will not be suitable for use or return.

The main characteristics of used batteries by current terminals:

  • Chips.
  • Irregularities on the surface.
  • Visible imprint of the terminal.

We recommend visiting the PAK online store. Batteries only highest quality directly from the manufacturer. They will tell you honestly about the product, help you choose and purchase a new one. quality products at affordable prices.

The online battery store provides its services in the following cities of Belarus: Gomel, Brest, Mogilev, Grodno, Minsk.

Examination specialized devices

Before purchasing, be sure to ask the seller to check the battery with a multimeter and load fork.

To collect readings with a multimeter, you need to set the contacts correctly. The charge is determined by the voltage indicator:

  • 12.5–13.2 V is the norm for a new battery.
  • 12.1–12.4 V - half charge.
  • 11.7 V - battery is discharged.

When tested using a fork, it creates a load as if it were working. This is the best method to check wear and charge level. Normal readings do not fall below 9 volts.

The following conditions affect the battery:

  • Air humidity.
  • Temperature.
  • Dust in the warehouse.

Important! Ask the seller about these characteristics. Often only observed temperature regime. Because of this, in the first two months of storage, self-discharge can reach 20-30%.

With the onset of cold weather, however, as at any time of the year, motorists are concerned with the question the right choice"hearts" iron horse- battery. There are many myths about the selection and maintenance of this device. The director of the company “Rimbat” (Retail trading network RiMiR) - Ruslan Evstafievich Ignatyuk will help us understand this complex but important issue.

The battery in a car is an important component, because it is a source of autonomous power. Its service life is on average 3-5 years, but directly depends on proper use and maintenance. And, if you purchased a used car, or a lot of time has passed since purchasing a new car, the prospect of purchasing a new battery is shining for you.

When should you replace your battery?

As soon as the battery stops holding a charge, it must be replaced. Well, imagine the situation: you come to a garage or parking lot, you are trying to start your “iron friend”, but it won’t start at all and that’s all. The indicator on the instrument panel indicates that the battery has no or very low charge, although you charged it yesterday.

The second reason is that the battery simply does not charge. Most often this happens due to short short trips in winter. A battery that is not fully charged loses its capacity due to constant discharge.

And the third reason why the battery needs to be replaced is due to technical damage: a crack has occurred or it has leaked. In case of such damage, operation of this device impossible.

Is it possible to restore an old battery?

In principle, you can try. How to do it? If the battery mechanical damage, operating such a device is strictly contraindicated - it is dangerous for your life and the life of your passengers.

But, if the battery does not hold a charge, you can try to restore its “vitality”.

« Fill in new electrolyte increased density, distilled water and a desulphating additive to the electrolyte, and then “drive” the battery by discharging and charging. Perhaps such procedures will help revive the device, and the battery will still serve you, and you will save money. However this procedure It is recommended for those who have at least some similar experience, because you will have to work with acid - if you do it incorrectly and carelessly, very unpleasant consequences can arise.”

Before you start “rescuing” the battery, carefully read the instructions and recommendations of experienced “reanimatologists”, and only then proceed carefully to work on restoring the battery, but it’s still better to turn to professionals because your health is at stake, don’t risk it.

What do you need to know when choosing a battery?

To take a professional approach to choosing a battery, you need to know:

  • Battery capacity;
  • Terminal location;
  • Size.

How to check the battery when purchasing?

Having selected the desired battery, do not forget to check its performance. This can be done simply by connecting a load plug to it. It is used to measure your voltage. idle move and under load. Every self-respecting store should have a loading fork! Don't have such a device? Consider purchasing your battery elsewhere.

« The no-load voltage must be at least 12.5 V, and when operating under load for 10 seconds it should not fall below 11 V. Checking the battery with a 12-volt light bulb is incorrect and is not an indicator of the serviceability and quality of the battery.»

All batteries are divided into three categories:

1. Serviceable or repairable batteries - devices that were in demand a few years ago are not so popular today. The battery case is made of ebonite, filled with mastic on top.

« In such a battery, when the plates short out, they can be replaced, but few people do this, since their strength is low.”

2. The batteries are maintenance-free. This type of battery is designed to work under ideal conditions.

3. For our realities the most suitable look batteries - low maintenance. They differ favorable price, good quality and long service life.

When choosing a battery, you need to find out its release date. As noted earlier, the service life of the battery is 3-5 years, naturally, than newer device, the longer it will last. By the way, this period begins to be calculated not from the day it is installed in the car, but from the moment the electrolyte is filled.

The cost of a battery is directly proportional to its capacity starting current. How more capacity battery, the faster the starter will crank the car engine.

« Buy batteries with the capacity specified in your car's instructions. You, of course, can purchase a battery with a smaller capacity, but then wait until winter for problems with starting. You should not buy batteries with a high starting current.”

It is better to buy batteries in specialized stores. Professional consultants will competently select the battery for your car. In such stores you will buy a genuine certified product, and if a defect is detected, your device will be replaced. But, when purchasing, be sure to check that the warranty card and the issued receipt are filled out correctly.

How to properly care for your battery?

For more long term During operation of the battery, it is necessary to monitor its charge level. If you drive for a long time and often, recharging is usually not necessary. If you do not drive often or over long distances, or the car is sometimes parked, checking the battery charge is necessary at least once a month.

« It’s a good idea to purchase a quality device for recharging. And remember: if undercharged for a long time, even the best battery will lose its capacity. Therefore, try to avoid completely discharging the battery, as this negatively affects the battery life and its performance.”

Yes, the battery is an important “organ” in a car, but unlike a human battery, it can be selected, and if you approach this issue correctly, you can hope that it will serve effectively and for a long time.

Helped me figure out the issue
and gave valuable advice
director of the company "Rimbat"
Ignatyuk Ruslan Evstafievich.

And what else would I like to add. A very important issue when choosing a battery for car enthusiasts is the brand of the battery, or, as it is fashionable to say now, the brand. Here I can give the only advice: Give preference to factory brands. Ideally, of course, if the plant is called TAV, then the battery should be TAV, if the plant is BOSCH, then the battery is BOSCH, if the plant is A-mega, then the battery is A-mega, etc. In this case, the manufacturer is responsible for the quality of the product with its reputation. Each factory, as a rule, has several brands; a list of factory brands can always be found on the manufacturer’s website. Today, unfortunately, the variety of brands makes the buyer's head spin. And the bulk of them are private brands of large dealers; when you buy such a battery, you are playing the lottery. In this case, no one can vouch for the quality! And one more piece of advice: when choosing a battery, try to buy a battery with a black and white body and cover. In this case, the best soldering of these parts occurs and leakage from under the cover is practically eliminated. When colored plastic dyes are used, the adhesion deteriorates. True, this does not apply to premium products (BOSCH, TAB, VARTA, etc.). The technologies of these manufacturers allow the use of colored plastic without compromising the quality of the product.

Happy launches to everyone in any weather!!!

We will tell you how to properly check a car battery for serviceability using a multimeter and a load plug, what methods exist.

Checking with a multimeter

You need a multimeter - a device for measuring voltage. If you don’t have it, you can ask your friends or buy it in a store. The device is inexpensive, the simplest one costs 300 rubles. If you spend more than once renovation work with electricity, then it will come in handy. I recommend buying a digital multimeter rather than a dial multimeter, because... it is more convenient to use.

Do not rely on measuring the battery using on-board computer cars, because they are wrong. These voltmeters are not connected directly to the battery, which means losses are possible. Therefore, the voltage on them may appear less than on the battery itself.

Check with the engine running

We first measure the voltage with the engine running. It should be between 13.5 and 14.0 V. If it is more than 14.2 V when the engine is running, this indicates a low battery charge and that the generator is working in enhanced mode to charge the battery. This does not always happen, for example, in winter there may be increased voltage, because... The battery could have discharged overnight due to the cold temperature. Or electronics detect the air temperature and give more charge to the battery.

IN increased voltage There is nothing bad. If everything is fine with the electrical equipment of the car, then after 5-10 minutes the electronics will reset it to normal: 13.5-14.0 V. If this does not happen and it is not gradually reset to the optimal value, then this may result in overcharging the battery. It will work at maximum output, which threatens to boil the electrolyte.

If the voltage is less than 13.0-13.4 V when the engine is running, it means that the battery is not fully charging. You shouldn’t immediately run to a car service; first, the measurement should take place with all consumers turned off. This means turn off the music, lights, heating, air conditioning and all energy-consuming devices.


What is the multimeter showing now? During normal operation of the car’s electronics, it should be in the range from 13.5 to 14 V. If lower, it indicates that the car’s generator is not working. Especially when the voltage with the engine running and consumers turned off is less than 13.0 V.

Low readings are possible if the battery contacts are oxidized. So check them out. If they are attacked (for example Green colour), then clean it with sandpaper or a flat file.

How else can you check the operation of the battery and generator? There is one way. With the engine running and devices turned off, the voltage on the battery is 13.6. Now turn on the low beam. The voltage should drop slightly - by 0.1-0.2 V. Next, turn on the music, then the air conditioner and other sources. Each time you turn it on, the battery voltage should drop slightly.

If the voltage drops significantly after turning on the vehicle's power sources, this indicates that the generator is not working properly. full power and the brushes are worn out.

With all consumers turned on, the voltage on the car's batteries should not fall below 12.8-13.0 V. If it is less, the battery is discharged and requires replacement and the purchase of a new one, but we will discuss how to check below.

Checking with the engine off

If the voltage is less than 11.8-12.0 V, the battery is discharged, the car may not start and you will have to light it from another car. The normal value is 12.5 to 13.0 V.

There is an old and simple method to find out the charge level. So, a reading of 12.9 V means that the battery is 90% charged, a reading of 12.5 V is 50% charged, and 12.1 V is 10 percent charged. This is an approximate method for measuring the charge level, but it is effective, as confirmed by our own experience.

There is one caveat. If the measurement is taken after the engine is turned off, then one reading is possible, and if the next morning, another. It is better to measure the voltage on the battery before driving.

The battery charge level indicates its ability to hold voltage for some days. If it's fully charged, or hasn't been driven for more than a week, the voltage won't drop much. Otherwise, if the car's battery is discharged, the voltage will drop quickly.

Checking with a load fork

This effective way checking the performance of the car battery. It is based on its results that you can declare whether the battery is charged or not.

How to check? To do this, connect the load plug, observing the polarity. The joining time should not exceed 5 seconds. At the beginning of the measurement, the voltage is 12-13.0 V. At the end of the fifth second it should be more than 10 Volts. Such a battery is considered charged and capable of operating under load.

If, when tested with a load plug, the voltage drops below 9 volts, the battery is considered weak and unreliable. In this case, you will have to think about buying a new one.

Every car owner sooner or later has problems with the battery. After a short service life, the battery ceases to perform its functions at the proper level. The cause may be a manufacturing defect or improper operation of the battery. In any case, you need to check the battery for performance.

Having applied several simple ways, you can determine the condition of the battery and understand how long it will last. But before you check it, familiarize yourself with the signs of malfunctions and the reasons leading to a decrease in battery performance.

Signs of battery failure

There are two most obvious signs of a dead battery. If you observe at least one of them, do not ignore it, but try to find out the causes of the problem first. When functionality decreases, the following features in battery operation are observed:

  1. The starter starts the engine slowly. This may be a sign of a dead battery. Due to the low charge, the motor cranks with difficulty and weak spark not enough to ignite the fuel mixture.
  2. The battery began to discharge quickly. This is especially noticeable in winter period, when the charge is enough for only a few engine starts. The reason for the rapid loss of battery energy may be low level electrolyte.

Reasons for decreased battery performance

  1. Bad charging. The generator produces low current and cannot fully charge the battery. To fix this problem, you need to contact technical service.
  2. Electrical equipment. Incorrect connection electrical appliances in the car impedes the operation of the battery and shortens its service life.
  3. Poor quality wiring. Over time, cars develop problems with electrical wiring. In some places the wires become frayed or rot, which leads to a short circuit and discharge of the battery.
  4. Long service life. Each device has its own service life, batteries are no exception. After the end of the guaranteed period of operation, chemical and physical processes begin in the battery: oxidation, sulfation, damage.
  5. Poor battery maintenance. Failure to periodically monitor and clean the battery leads to its breakdown or shortened service life. With the right and quality care, the battery will last longer without breakdowns.
  6. Inattention. Drivers often leave the car in working condition after getting out of the car. electrical devices, such as: light bulbs, indicators or radio. During the cold season, electrical appliances that are not turned off quickly drain the battery.

A well-charged battery produces a voltage that matches its documentation. In most cases, the numbers range from 12.5 to 12.8 volts when fully charged.

Some manufacturers claim that the voltage in their batteries is higher than 13 V. If you take a measurement immediately after charging the battery, the numbers may be equal to or greater than 13 volts, but this data is false.

After fully charged The voltage in the battery exceeds the norm. This occurs due to the properties of the electrolyte. To get accurate data, take the measurement 2 hours after the battery has finished charging.

Instructions:

  1. Set the multimeter to DC mode.
  2. Install the red probe into the socket to measure current in the range from 10A to 20A.
  3. Touch the test leads to the battery terminals.
  4. The contact time of the multimeter with the battery should not exceed 2 seconds, otherwise the battery may be damaged.
  5. Check the readings obtained with the data specified in the battery documents.

Testing the battery under load

After measuring the voltage with a multimeter, for a full diagnosis you need to check the battery operation under load. The measurement is carried out with a special device (load fork). This device consists of a voltmeter connected to it, a load coil and a clamp.

Instructions
Connect the clamp to the negative terminal of the battery and touch the positive terminal with the plug. Hold the device in this position for five seconds, and remember the last result on the voltmeter scale. If the voltage is 9 volts, then the battery is working and you can use it.

Checking the electrolyte level

For the battery to function properly, it must contain a certain amount of liquid. Some battery models have marks through which you can see the electrolyte level: the top (maximum volume) and the bottom (minimum volume). If there are no such marks, unscrew the filler plugs and look at the level through them.

Instructions

  1. The normal level is considered when the electrolyte covers the plates by approximately 15 mm. For measurement accuracy, you can use a tube with a diameter of 3 mm. Immerse it in the electrolyte, resting it on the plates, and then pull it out and see how many millimeters the liquid level is.
  2. If there is insufficient electrolyte, the plates peek out. If nothing is done urgently, they will dry out and collapse - the result: failure of the entire battery. To increase the electrolyte level, add distilled water and charge the battery.

Low fluid density in the battery, as well as its lack, affects the charge level. Water evaporation occurs due to long use or improper charging. To avoid this situation, you need to measure the electrolyte density once every 3 months.

Measurements are made using a special device (hydrometer). The electrolyte density in the hot season is always higher than normal. To get an accurate result, take measurements at an air temperature of no more than 25 degrees Celsius.

Instructions

  1. Remove all battery filler plugs. Then insert the hydrometer into each hole, sucking up the electrolyte. With good density, the float will float to the green zone of the scale and show a result of 1.26 to 1.30 g/cm3. Memorize or record the sample data from each hole. If the float sinks to the white or red zone of the scale, then the density needs to be increased.
  2. To increase density, simply charge the battery. In a more serious situation, it is necessary to prepare a new electrolyte (a mixture of water and sulfuric acid). Pump out the old electrolyte from the battery and fill it with new one. At the end, put the battery on charge - it should take at least a day.

How to extend battery life

Any device can last much longer if you take care of it and service it on time. To do this you need to do the following:

  1. Check that the battery is securely in place. Otherwise, microcracks may appear through which electrolyte will pour out.
  2. Check the electrolyte level and density every three months.
  3. DO NOT allow the battery to completely discharge.
  4. Protect the battery from being in the cold - bring it indoors in winter.
  5. Keep the ventilation openings clean. If they are clogged, fumes remain in the container and the battery may burst.

A good battery can serve well for several years. Keep an eye on it and periodically check for functionality. For your careful use, the battery will reward you with a long service life.

Video: how to check a car battery