You can avoid some of the pitfalls of car ownership -- and some expensive repairs -- by sticking to a preventive maintenance schedule. Do-it-yourself maintenance can't replace your vehicle's recommended service, and some jobs are best left to professionals unless your skills are advanced. But you can take care of some simple yet important tasks yourself. Trisha Hessinger, host of DIY Car Care, explains basic service for your car's battery, engine oil, wiper blades, spark plugs and air filters. Battery Service Battery problems are the most common reason for roadside-assistance calls. The battery can be considered the "heart" of the automobile because it powers the starter, which turns over the engine. Once the engine is running, the battery stores and stabilizes the current that allows the electrical system to operate and to power the lights, the radio and other electrical components. Batteries come in several styles. The battery's posts may be mounted on the side, on top, or in both places (figure A) so the battery will work in a wider variety of vehicles. Old-style batteries have removable caps (figure B) covering the battery cells. Periodically the cells on these must be checked, and if necessary, distilled water must be added. Most new batteries have a sealed casing and are marketed as maintenance-free. Some have a small window with an indicator that shows how much charge remains (figure C). Despite their name, even maintenance-free batteries require minimal care. The posts and cable terminals must be kept free of corrosion and deposits so that the battery can continue delivering its charge at peak efficiency. Perform this service about once a year. Materials: Battery-terminal puller
Battery-post brush
Nylon brush
Petroleum jelly
Baking soda
Safety glasses Important: When servicing a battery, work in an open, ventilated area, and always wear safety glasses. Battery acid is very corrosive: take care not to get any on your skin or clothes. - Locate your car's battery. Usually batteries are mounted in an easily accessible location in the engine compartment (figure D), but in a few European autos they're mounted under the rear seat.
- Use a wrench to loosen and remove the battery cables from the posts (figure E). If corrosion is severe, use a battery-terminal puller (figure F), a specialized tool used to remove the terminal from the post without damaging either. Always remove the negative (or ground) cable first, then the positive. Carefully lay the detached ends of the cables to one side.
- Use a solution of baking soda and water to wipe away corrosion from the top of the battery and around the posts (figure G). Baking soda is a base, so it will neutralize the acidic deposits that have built up on the outside of the battery.
- Use a wire-bristle battery brush (figure H) to clean deposits from the posts. Some brushes also have an attachment for cleaning inside the opening of the battery cable (figure I).
- To help prevent future corrosion, apply petroleum jelly to the inside of the terminals (figure J) and the posts before reattaching the cables.
- Reattach the cables, making sure that each is connected to the proper post.
Tip: To retain the electronic memory settings in your car's computerized accessories (digital clock, radio station settings, power-seat positions, keyless entry, theft-deterrent systems, etc.), use a computer memory saver. These devices plug into the cigarette lighter and use a 9-volt battery to deliver enough charge to retain the settings while the car battery is disconnected.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books
How Cars Work
Author: Tom Newton
ISBN: 0966862309
Publisher: Black Apple Press
Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896
Saturday Mechanic
Model: 0688178081
Author: Popular Mechanics Staff (Editor)
(2001)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
William Morrow Books / Hearst Books
Website: www.harpercollins.com
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