How to Care for a Car's Dry Battery to Save Money and Make It Last
Basically, dry batteries are often chosen because they seem easier to maintain compared to wet batteries. The way to maintain a car's dry battery is actually very easy.
A dry battery only needs to be installed, and then it can be used. Not only that, but dry batteries also do not need to be checked regularly. Therefore, the price of dry batteries is more expensive compared to wet batteries.
However, even though they claim to be maintenance-free, car dry batteries still have weaknesses that need to be regularly checked to ensure their function is always optimal.
Read Also: Which is Better: Dry or Wet Battery? Here’s the Explanation
How to Maintain a Dry Battery for Longevity?
To prevent losses caused by dry batteries, here are some ways you can maintain your car's dry battery to make it last longer, including:
1. Regularly Warm Up the Engine
The first maintenance for a dry battery is to regularly warm up the engine. Engine warming is done to achieve the maximum working temperature in the engine.
In addition, regularly warming up the engine is also done to keep the engine condition in good shape. If the car is used every day, the battery will be stable and will not experience significant problems.
However, if the car is rarely used, you can warm up the engine every two days. Just start the engine for 10 minutes.
2. Clean the Battery Surface
The next way to maintain a dry battery for longevity is by cleaning the battery surface.
Usually, dry batteries available in the market are of the Valve Regulated Lead Acid or VRLA type. This is a term for a valve that prevents the battery fluid from easily evaporating when there are shocks or vibrations.
Generally, dirt accumulates on the valve and can cause blockage.
As a result, the evaporation process will be disrupted. To prevent this, you can regularly clean the battery surface.
Read Also:This is How to Repair a Wet Battery That Cannot Hold Charge
3. Avoid Overloading the Battery
Batteries certainly have a maximum electrical capacity used as a power supply to several car components.
However, if the car is equipped with various additional accessories such as lights, cameras, sound systems, the battery load will certainly become heavier.
If the battery load increases, the battery life will be shorter. If you want to add various accessories that require a large power supply, you can replace the battery according to the required capacity.
4. Ensure the Battery is Tightly Secured
The battery is placed in a special container in the engine compartment. There, there are also fasteners or brackets used as holders. The purpose is to keep the battery stable when the car body shakes on bumpy roads.
If the bracket is loose, the battery can change its position. As a result, the condition of the battery will be disturbed. Therefore, make sure all bracket bolts are tight so that the battery does not wobble.
5. Keep the Terminals Clean
You should know that the battery terminals are parts that need to be well-maintained for cleanliness. The terminal part is usually covered with crust caused by electrolyte evaporation.
If this is left unchecked, the battery voltage cannot reach its maximum point.
To maintain terminal cleanliness, you can clean it using hot water. Pour hot water evenly over the crust until it disappears. Then, use grease to lubricate the terminals.
Maintaining a dry battery is actually easy, isn’t it? However, you also need to know how long a dry battery lasts for maintenance.
In addition to maintaining the dry battery, various other car components also need to be well taken care of.
If your car's dry battery experiences issues, you can repair the dry battery and also have regular service at an official Daihatsu workshop.
Daihatsu locations are available in various parts of Indonesia, you can choose a workshop or official Daihatsu dealer that is closest to you right now. Additionally, to make it easier for you to service, you can also book a service in advance.