Get the best out of your battery with these battery maintenance basics

Get the best out of your battery
Extreme temperatures, such as the cold of winter and the heat of summer, can impact the performance of your battery. That’s why it’s important to take proper care to maximize the life of your battery.

What You’ll Learn
In this section, we will explain the best practices for battery maintenance, what to avoid to extend the life of your battery, and what to look for when choosing a new battery for your vehicle.

Battery Dos and Don'ts
Below are several tips to help extend the life of your battery and help keep you safe when working on a battery. If you’re uncomfortable doing the work yourself, speak with a Service Advisor. NOTE: These tips only apply to traditional, under-the-hood batteries and DO NOT apply to electric or hybrid battery systems.

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Do:

• Keep your vehicle battery and case clean. Dirt and deposits can prematurely corrode the battery terminals.

• Check the cables to make sure they are firmly attached to the vehicle battery terminals

• Always disconnect your battery’s negative cable first and reattach it last

• Charge auto batteries in a well-ventilated area. Charging a vehicle battery releases highly flammable hydrogen.

• Keep open flames and flammable materials away from the battery at all times

• Handle auto batteries carefully. A cracked case could spill harmful chemicals that could cause severe burns and blindness.

• Follow state and local regulations when you dispose of your vehicle battery

Don’t:

• Wear jewelry when working with an auto battery

• Lean over an auto battery

• Guess the type/size of battery needed for your vehicle

• Attempt to charge a frozen vehicle battery. This may cause the battery to explode.

• Disconnect a battery’s cables while your vehicle is running

​How to Choose the Right Battery
There are several things to consider when choosing a battery for your vehicle. First, make sure that the battery you select is the right size and has the appropriate amount of power for your vehicle. You'll also want to consider the brand of battery and ask the supplier how long the battery has sat on the supplier’s shelf.

Choose Certified Service for Car Maintenance
Your Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac dealership provides the car maintenance you need, when you need it.