Avoid an expensive service or tow charge and the worry of being stranded by keeping your vehicle battery performing at its peak.

Locate the battery in your car.

Exide vehicle batteries have a heavy-duty plastic case with two terminals to connect the positive and negative (ground) wires to the car. The terminals are made of lead and look like two thimbles. Take a picture before removing the cables to make sure the positive and negative cables do not get reversed.

Check the battery's water level every 2 to 3 months

Pull up the fill caps on the battery to inspect the fluid level. Refill the battery only with distilled water, if the level is low. Pour the water into the cell using a funnel. Do not overfill. Wait for the water to reach the bottom of the refill hole.

Clean the battery terminals every 6 to 8 months.

Skip applying grease.

Keep the battery top clean and dry. Apply either petroleum jelly or Vaseline to cable clamps and terminals for proper lubrication.

Check the battery insulator if your vehicle has one.

Some vehicles include an insulator to protect the battery against very high temperatures, which can evaporate its fluid quickly. The insulator should be in place and undamaged.

Get your battery serviced regularly by your nearest authorized Exide dealer.

Do not skip regular servicing and tune-ups. The best way to maintain your battery and your entire vehicle is to have it inspected and tested every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes sooner.

Perform Monthly Maintenance

A battery only requires a little monthly maintenance to perform perfectly. Keep the battery charged to 100%, recharging when the lights dim, the starter sounds weak, or the battery hasn’t been used in more than two weeks. Other than that, follow this simple check list every month:

  • Check the electrolyte level
  • Keep the top free of grime
  • Check cables, clamps, and case for obvious damage or loose connections
  • Clean terminals and connectors as necessary
  • Check inside for excessive sediment, sulfation or mossing
  • Make sure the exhaust tube is free of kinks and clogs
  • Replace caps firmly

Finish up by testing the battery with either a hydrometer or voltmeter. To extend the service life of your battery, make monthly battery maintenance part of your routine.

Storing Your Battery

If the vehicle is in storage or used infrequently, disconnect the battery cable to eliminate drain from electrical equipment. Charge the battery every two weeks.

For extended storage, remove the battery from the vehicle and charge to 100%. Charge the battery every month if stored at temperatures below 60° F. If stored in a warm area (above 60° F), charge every two weeks. Make sure batteries are stored out of reach of children.