At one time or another nearly everyone will experience the inconvenience of a flat battery.

Now, while there’s not much you can do about accidentally leaving on light sand draining your battery; proper care and maintenance of your battery will ensure that your battery is in the best possible condition to face these sorts of problems.

Make sure the battery terminals are clean. Check both positive and negative terminals of the battery at least every month. Remove the wiring and using a post-scrubber clean both terminals to ensure optimal contact. Use a solution of baking soda and water to clean the cables and the terminals. Always wear protective gloves when you are dealing with the engine as well as goggles to protect your eyes.

Make sure the battery is filled with distilled water to the proper level. Most batteries have indicators which will show you the correct level to which you should fill. Use a hydrometer to check your battery acid to make sure it is in peak condition and then squirt a solution back into the same chamber. Correct electrolyte levels are vital to optimum performance of your car battery, so check the casing for cracks. If you find cracks or any form of leakage, you will need to replace the battery immediately.

Most modern cars have fully sealed batteries and problems can be difficult to detect without expert attention. By always having your battery checked when you have your car serviced, you will make sure it’s in top condition. A fully charged battery should have a reading of 1.265 or higher. Anything lower than this means that the battery either needs to be recharged or even replaced if it is an ongoing problem.