Battery Care and Maintenance Tips -EricTheCarGuy

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Battery Care and Maintenance tips was actually suggested by my good friend and forum moderator at EricTheCarGuy.com, College man aka Paul Krawsek. I thought it was a great idea for a video so I ran with it.
The batteries in our vehicles are often overlooked until they don't work. With a little time, some relatively inexpensive tools, and a basic knowledge of what to look for, you can keep your battery working for a very long time. You'll also know if the battery isn't on it's way out before there is a failure. No on likes getting stranded and this is a good way to prevent that.
I hope the tips in this video are helpful and help you take care of your automotive batteries.
Thanks for watching.
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: www.ericthecarguy.com
More info on battery maintenance: www.batterystuff.com/kb/articl...
Information on Specific Gravity: support.rollsbattery.com/suppo...
Tools and Other Stuff
Zep Battery Cleaner: www.zepautomotive.com/product/...
Battery Holder/Carrier Tool: www.jbtoolsales.com/atd-tools-...
Terminal Cleaner: www.jbtoolsales.com/performanc...
Battery Charger: www.jbtoolsales.com/clore-auto...
Battery Load Tester: www.jbtoolsales.com/clore-auto...
Battery Conductance Tester: www.jbtoolsales.com/midtronics...
DVOM: www.jbtoolsales.com/electronic...
Battery Terminals: www.jbtoolsales.com/performanc...
Really Good Battery Terminals: www.jbtoolsales.com/audiopipe-...
Battery Hold Down Kit: www.jbtoolsales.com/performanc...
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Checking Battery Terminals: • No Crank No Start, Che...
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Basic Electrical troubleshooting 1: • Electrical Troubleshoo...
Basic Electrical troubleshooting 2: • Electrical Troubleshoo...
Testing Relays: • How To Test Relays- Er...
Electronics Are Stupid: • Electronics are Stupid...
Discussion about this video: www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/1...
Useful articles.
Engine overheat: www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/what...
No start problems: www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solv...
Idle issues: www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solv...
Performance issues: www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solv...
Diagnosing Noises: www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/diag...
Diagnosing Vibrations: www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/dete...
Electrical Problems: www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solv...
HVAC problems: www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solv...
Leaks: www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/find...
MPG: ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-...
Social Network Links
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Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

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5 мар 2015

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Комментарии : 897

@shiloh4184 3 года назад

Mad respect for the detail level here. Dude went 5th dimension on a car battery. Wow.

@larneyhenry2923 Год назад

Making use of the ru-vid.comUgkxcJ22tnHH9l1vjdIdEIG27iOG55P7LXI8 reconditioning plan, I just saved 2 auto batteries from being completely junked. The guides were very simple to follow. I wish I would have found this years ago! You may use the guide to recondition any battery type

@Flashahol 7 лет назад

As an electronics tech I'm very well versed in batteries, but I never thought about checking for voltage differential between post/connector and post/body of the battery. This is by far the best and most complete car battery maintenance video I've seen.

@mrtron1850 7 лет назад

I don't understand why the voltage differential between the post and the body would matter at all. The posts aren't (normally) connected to the body.

@rocketrider1405 7 лет назад

ya, aren't you actually creating the path for the current/voltage when you use your leads?

@Flashahol 7 лет назад

A DVM does not create a path for current when measuring volts; this setting has an extremely high internal resistance. If you are measuring for current, this setting has the lowest internal resistance and, therefore, you are creating a SHORT (the only setting the DVM fuse(s) are there for)! A DVM should be understood properly before handling, starting with Ohm's law.

@Flashahol 7 лет назад

The negative post is used as a "ground" or, more correctly said, a current return. If your engine block is not "grounded" properly to the negative battery post, you will never get a spark from the plugs as the current will have nowhere to go to.

@benzeneau1 6 лет назад

I do like your approach to the safety aspect. However, since i have been involved with big Battery Backup systems, sometimes those involve a lot of Batteries connected, with enormous short-circuit Amperages, i feel, it might be prudent to use tools, that are insulated as much as possible. Your spanners and socket wrenches might slip, and then, even a 200Ah Car Battery might turn you into a pizza face. Safety glasses or not

@mrbiggoggles314 6 лет назад

Eric, you have saved all our asses 1000 times. Everyone appreciates what you're doing man.

@davidweum 3 года назад

I'm a big fan.

@PhattyMo 9 лет назад

Good video. Keeping batteries clean can help prolong their life. I usually start with spraying the battery with a hose. Another tip for topping off the cells,is to use a big veterinary syringe. Keep baking soda on hand -if you spill acid,or get it on your skin,put some baking soda on there,it will neutralize the acid. (On skin,it helps to make the baking soda into a paste,with a bit of water. Apply it to your skin,wait a few seconds,and then rinse with plenty of water.) If you get acid on your clothes,consider them a goner. There will be a hole where the acid was,after they are washed.

@JeffHazardous 9 лет назад

Just a quick tip for a few people who have batteries in their trunks, like my 05 Cobalt, it is very important to reconnect the venting tube if your battery is equipped with one.

@allinsiteUK 5 лет назад

May be worth considering an insulated cover for the positive terminal connector. As you say, in an accident a short with the body/hood could cause a spark and ignite escaping fuel. Vasaline for the posts too to prevent oxidation etc. Great video, thanks Eric.

@trucavalier 4 года назад

25 years of fooling around with cars I’ve never even thought to check the case for draw. Thanks a million!

@DENicholsAutoBravado 9 лет назад

Great video Eric. It was a mix of why I became a subscriber in the first place and the quality of production your capable of with all your skills and experience. My inner motivation for watching these things over a year and a half ago slowly went from loving cars to wanting to be an Automotive Technician. I've been hired! Thanks to everyone's comments as well that has prepped me for this moment! :)

@Caelin100 7 лет назад

Thank you for emphasizing Safety and low cost solutions. Your instructions were accurate, easy to follow and solved my issue.

@ericrowland1851 3 года назад

I've watched a few videos about battery care, but this is undoubtedly the most informative I've seen. I was beginning to give up on finding a decent instructional, but this has now changed that. Very grateful for this. Splendid job!

@nathanrice1796 2 года назад

One of the better 12V car battery videos I've seen. Showed a few techniques I'd never thought of before.

@harindugamlath 8 лет назад

Surface drain. Never thought of that! Thanks Eric!

@dominicfong6341 6 лет назад

I have never heard of that either, Eric is good isn't he!

@javaman2883 5 лет назад

@Rex Erection "I passed on college because it's for simple minded people that think they need a piece of paper to be successful in life." College is not always optional. My father-in-law had been working for a company for 22 years, moved up from the bottom. For several years he was even teaching the newcomers to the company how to do CAD properly because the universities were not preparing them well enough. The company owner wanted to retire and sold the company. The new owners let my father-in-law go because he did not have a university degree, which was now required. He tried applying at many other CAD companies, none would hire him because he lacked the degree. So he went back to college, got his four-year degree, and got back in the industry.

@JohnDoe-le8fy 3 года назад

Eh .. I don't think that actually does anything, he's just measuring the potential difference between those two area's. It's "conductive" dust.. not draining dust or that battery would be dead all the time.

@skhumbuzocele1330 5 лет назад

First 3 minutes....It is clear that I am speaking with a proffessional....just getting helped....you are burning fire Eric🔥🔥🔥🔥

@blkferrari355 4 года назад

Great video. Comprehensive, thorough and to the point. Eric, your channel is at the top of my list! Keep up the good work.

@shorelined1 Год назад

Love these videos. I'm amazed how much of a drain a little dirt created! Good to know in dusty Az. I used to test for good connection/hidden oxidation similarly. After getting solid read at posts, switch one probe to opposite clamp/terminal, also on wiring, looking for any fluctuation, then compare to initial voltage read. Repeat for other side. I used to use wire brushes until a few post and clamp got too worn to connect tightly. I started using a few drops of lime away for toilets(buck at $1 store). Just a quick scrub with sponge or toothbrush, wipe dry and it's nice and shiny. I put a thin film of white silicone grease on exposed metal to displace air and prevent oxidation.

@StoneKathryn 4 года назад

Thank you Eric the Car Guy! That is what my no start/no crank issue was! The negative terminal connection was loose and was not adjustable so $10 later with a new cable the car started right up. I thought it was something else since my headlights were bright but my car wouldn't crank and then not even the dash lights would come on. Put the new cable on, voila, it is a car again! Thanks so much for pointing this out. My other car ('94 Pontiac Grand Prix) that did this too, it was the bolt that threaded into the positive side of the battery that had somehow gotten stripped and I did get a new battery and a new starter before I figured out it was the bolt. I'm so glad I didn't do that all over again. Thanks again!

@antypanag1 7 лет назад

sir ! u did the BEST video for battery maintenance i have seen in youtube . completed and well explained. seems to me u got it. i bet u r a far more good than an average car technitian (sems to me u like ur job) !!! thanks a lot for ur efford to deliver us this knowlege !!!!! greeding from greece !!!!

@csabcsaa 3 года назад

thanks a lot Eric! You just saved my battery :) had the same "dirt conducts electricity" issue, and the freshly charged battery, could not start my diesel truck the next day. After I watched Your video, I measured it, and had 6-8 volts charge leak via the dirt (and actually it wasnt that dirty, but still). Cleaned it, measured it and now it has 0.0 volt leak. Charging at the moment. hope it starts now! Cheers from hungary!

@gweedomurray9923 5 лет назад

You forgot to tape over "Chicago Electric" on the resistance pile meter. :-D

@conscience-commenter Год назад

One most important tip for battery health is knowing the date code for when it was manufactured. Always check a batteries date code before purchase to make sure it isn't old. All the cleaning , voltage checking and charging are ok, but knowing it's age and setting a replacement date (5-6) yrs depending on brand ,type and usage are paramount. Especially if you live in a cold climate. I always put an easy viewable date code and record service dates. During service when the hood is up, no guessing is required .Knowing dates for repairs makes it easy for replacing parts.

@singuranjoferjohne.3341 6 месяцев назад

❤

@scd6969 3 года назад

Knowledge is priceless. Thanks EricTheCarGuy for sharing your experience and knowledge for free.

@marksthoughts4721 5 лет назад

Good "old school" tips. Great job. I have used most but forgot a lot. Also learned new ones. Thanks Eric keeping running in a cold morning or night.

@Grainsauce 5 лет назад

That is amazing, I've near heard or thought of surface drain being on the battery body itself!!!!

@spiralnapkin 3 месяца назад

Videos like like always motivate me to get up and check things out for myself. I checked my voltage, and it was 12.12v. I checked for surface drain and got over 10v in some places. I cleaned it up with water and baking soda until i got 0 everywhere else. And when i checked voltage at the posts, 12.33v 👍. I know its not the 12.4 we want, but I feel a lot better than it being 12.12v. Thanks Eric!

@johncspine2787 6 лет назад

Just got a CTEK charger/maintainer, it’s interesting to see how my battery, although in great health, wasn’t fully charged as I am disabled and don’t drive much. Glad you showed surface drain..too many ppl let their stuff get really dirty, this can really drain the battery!

@davidbirch9969 9 лет назад

Don't forget to clean your ground connections! They're just as important as your battery connections.

@dixoncider7256 9 лет назад

David Birch and sometimes i find unfortunately more important.

@rahmatalicarexperttrainner5229 3 года назад

Also you can clean it by hot water and use vaseline on battery terminals.

@unknown243 9 лет назад

Amazing video. I loved this one Eric! Especially since I have been having battery issues lately. I hope to use some of this information in the coming days! Cheers!

@samjohnson466 9 лет назад

Thanks Eric. I had no idea that the battery case could become conductive, something else to check on my vehicles, good one.

@jeremylakenes6859 5 лет назад

The dielectric grease is good, not bad, because if it gets between parts it insulated from arcing. If the parts are clean and make contact (dielectric grease will not prevent contact connections...) the grease will move out of the way and will allow contact. Also, likely the terminals are not steel and they won’t create sparks... Other than these things, good video.

@austinallen7691 9 лет назад

I love your videos man. Very descriptive and honest yet straight to the point.

@TOURMANBOB 3 года назад

I knew most of this other than the voltage leaking across the top. However, it is an excellent video clearly explained with nothing flowery about it. Also attention paid to the hold downs and the pan the battery sits on is worth doing. Thank you

@ACCESSeVENTURE 3 года назад

Excellent, I will be showing this video to my high school class, Life Skills. Thank you Eric

@Youngsoldier93 9 лет назад

Eric, you're the man! I never knew that the dirt that sits on top of the battery can actually drain the charge! Good thing I always try to keep everything nice and clean, lol. Keep up the good work ETCG!

@lonniebanark4917 Год назад

Anti theft on ⁰4 monté carlo sgguts iff starter, altntor, has factory battery ràin. $350 for new ignitúon wrh the key.

@dohara68 3 года назад

Excellent video! I have learned things that I never knew...surface dirt can be conductive. Looking forward to watching more of your videos!

@johnkinnane547 9 лет назад

Good vid Eric. Batteries always seemed to be over looked to other Non starting issues. Thanks for mentioning not to smoke around them either. I have seen a battery slip straight into the fan this was years ago when fan blades were metal because somebody was too lazy to tie it down, what a acid mess! Thanks mate Johnno

@draytonPW 5 лет назад

Having red cables going to both positive and negative would drive me crazy.

@duminicad 4 года назад

Drizzy Williams the battery is clearly marked

@vasuv59 3 года назад

Yes that is confusing

@draytonPW 3 года назад

@@duminicad your dumb.

@Raj-nh3fc 3 года назад

I noticed that too and thought that Eric was about to connect wrong way around untill I realised that both leads were red. Bad to have same colour leads.

@martinnightingale6033 3 года назад

Great video . One thing I spotted , it's great to see a mechanic using an adjustable Spanner . I have an 06 VW Touareg 3.0 V6 tdi . Biggest bugbear is if I don't drive it . It struggles to start . Trouble is electrically it's a complex system . As soon as you unlock it and open the drivers door , you can hear something in the vehicle firing up. It took me a while to work out that it's the Webasto engine diesel preheat system . Went out to it today Tuesday , last started Friday last week . First try starting . Probably cranked over for 5 or 6 seconds then stopped . 2 goes with engine preheat (heater plugs ) it turned over normally and fired up sweet as usual . The battery is 8 weeks old from new . I know only too well it's got a parasitic drain .

@pay9011 5 лет назад

I was listening to an old time radio program than included the sponsors commercials. One was an auto battery manufacturer. They were proudly touting that their batteries only needed water added 3 or 4 times a year (under typical driving).

@alexoneal1029 8 лет назад

Thanks Eric...great to learn that surface grime can put a voltage drain on a battery....

@spresc2180 9 лет назад

When there is surface drain, there is a trace of sulfuric acid on top of the battery case providing a current pathway between the terminals. Dust/dirt by itself is non conductive unless wet. As abhorrent as it may seem to some, I verify the presence of sulfuric acid (unless I can actually see it) by lightly touching the case top and then taste test. Then spit it out. My tongue has not been burned nor fallen off from occassionaly doing this for well over 45 years. Yes, I know baking soda will tell you, but its not always nearby. Excellent battery care video.

@99unlv11 6 лет назад

Thanks Eric. Very informative video. I enjoy watching all your videos.

@Mak933 9 лет назад

Eric - These videos are as good as gold. Keep up the good work!

@marcsultana3311 5 лет назад

Nicely done, Eric! I like the emphasis on safety. I'm a subscriber. Keep up the good work. Thanks.

@Gold63Beast 9 лет назад

New camera Eric? Looks amazing and better than usual! Love your channel. Keep up the amazing videos!

@AsTheWheelsTurn 7 лет назад

awesome, good info and well presented. thanks! I had a battery I thought was bad and was going to replace but I found it was a combination between dirty connections,little bit of a surface drain and a little bit low on water here in 116 degree phoenix heat. It seems to be working like a champ now.Thanks for saving me $120.00 battery is only a year and a half old so I wasn't quite ready to call it quits on the thing unless I had to.

@Erated78 4 года назад

Great video, very through and I learned a thing or two as well. Thanks Eric!

@shannonsisk 9 лет назад

really great video Eric. I would guess that most people just think of these batteries as they would batteries in a remote control. Non serviceable, no maintenance needed, just replace as necessary. Battery maintenance goes a long way and helps to save you money!

@84chevyguy 9 лет назад

Had no clue this could happen... Thanks for this video.. This explains alot of dead batteries ive had.. Great job eric.

@YourExcellency7 6 лет назад

This is an excellent presentation. I learned SO MUCH. Thank you.

@rlane63 7 лет назад

Really helpful and good to know these things. Your knowledge and tips are always useful!!!

@givoneam6657 5 лет назад

Thanks Eric great video ...appreciated the time and the effort...we need more video like that

@McmM-cv9sb Год назад

That was real good Eric a pick up a few tips that I didn't know about and Battery care thanks again love all of your videos keep up the good work👍

@youthised58 6 лет назад

Learned a couple of new things from your video. Thanks Eric!!!

@jcharles1470 9 лет назад

This is the best video about battery maintenance that I see!!!! thanks a lot!!!

@Aluzcz 9 лет назад

New camera? very nice sharp and fluid view. Like you would be in my living room doing this!

@catherinezuppero7609 4 года назад

Thanks for valuable info! Well done. It was very helpful to me.

@mohandasu43 6 лет назад

Mr. Eric, a good and a wonderful information to take care of the batteries for all around the world. Than you sir.

@johnlong384 Год назад

Thanks for the cleaning tips on the battery housing which I was not aware of to cause problems.

@cecewd405 5 лет назад

Thanks for the close up of the battery water levels👍🏽

@masterofsome1743 5 лет назад

This video was great and very informational, thank you so much!!!!

@jeffpv. 7 лет назад

Very well done video! I had a car once that someone used a red wire for the ground. I simply wrapped the wire with black electrical tape to better identify the wire. Someone could connect jumper cables backwards and have a real problem.

@Fisher1903 8 лет назад

That was utterly amazing! Never would've thought.

@SomeGuyInSandy 9 лет назад

That's a great tip Eric. I didn't know about the "surface drain" thing at all! I'll be cleaning all of my batteries this weekend, thanks! (seriously, I will, lol)

@MCFIXIT 3 года назад

This is fantastic! Thanks for all your insights over the years!

@thehotsixer1 6 лет назад

Very thorough video on battery care, thanks a lot!

@JeremyY 7 лет назад

Excellent, helpful video Eric. Thanks for making it.

@camomanofcranham Год назад

Great video Eric....just ordered a load tester and a battery post cleaner... bin working on my own cars for over 45 years and never come across those little brushes...cool little mother's...

@michaelchitwood6226 9 лет назад

Great educational on how to use a DVOM.

@shiloh4184 3 года назад

Erics so mello yellow. But hes saving us tons of $$. If he earned half of what hes saved us all on car maintenance, hed be a billionaire. Just imagine ETCG hobnobbing with Bezos and Buffet at the Stay Dirty Country Club and mixed use development site. Seriously man, thank you. I know the editing process has to suck royally, but the final product is so appreciated by millions!!!

@lsl1512 3 года назад

One of my popular RU-vid dad mechanics. Thanks Eric!

@Zorak1988 5 лет назад

Great video. Never knew about surface drain before. Guess i know what I'll be doing this afternoon...

@Iolis 4 года назад

Thank you Eric. A very helpful vid.

@Commodore-dr6oj 9 лет назад

Was quite surprised with the surface drain great video Eric

@cac7549 8 лет назад

Eric, this is an excellent video with all the information. You are our man. Great.

@battosaijenkins946 8 лет назад

+Carlos Elias Remember to be in a well ventilated area for the baking soda. It reacts with the leaked green stuff and I almost passed out from the fumes... VERY TOXIC =(

@cac7549 8 лет назад

makes sense yes.

@michaelthomas4156 4 года назад

Great information/video. Thanks for stressing safety (safety glasses/gloves).

@derekrowlands1189 4 года назад

Great video thank you very much, could I use silicone grease on the terminals instead of axle grease?

@markbenoit 9 лет назад

Hey good stuff. Some thoughts I wanted to add: • The positive post should have some kind of cover. If The battery comes loose and makes contact with the hood or any piece of metal or you set tools on top, it could spark. • you should clean under the battery is well a lot of corrosion happens underneath the battery. A lot of people don't have a battery holddown because the corrosion is so bad underneath their battery that the mounting point/bracket is damaged. • I haven't found that those green and red sponge things do anything as well I would say skip it.

@woodybear8298 5 лет назад

Excellent video Eric, thanks.

@compactc9 7 лет назад

I make a point of regularly washing out the engine bay on my truck, and when I do, I always make sure to clean the top of the battery thoroughly for this reason. I started doing this because I thought all that stuff looked nasty, but then Dad told me I'm actually solving the conductive filth issue as well.

@spudmunson3976 9 лет назад

Thanks Eric, Another great video that applies to every car. For the terminals I like to use the silicone paste, it is Dielectric grease and works great. Thanks again! Eric. You rock.

@simonthebroken9691 3 года назад

Thanks Eric. Great review. Sometimes I forget a detail or two.

@tedjohnson64 3 года назад

Wow, this was a really good tutorial! Thanks for sharing!

@danielmckenzie6858 6 лет назад

the last 2 batteries i have purchased were used from late fresh model wrecks, and been very lucky, the cost of a new battery eing around 130 is insane. I Saturday had to get another battery for my 95 Corvette, it had a bad cell, went to a junk yard and got a used one for $30 dollars, whats your take Eric, your videos about this save me from having a bad moment from happening

@PistonShack 4 года назад

One of the best video how to charge the battery properly.

@ScottLRoyal 3 года назад

Another great video Eric.

@tasmedic 5 лет назад

If you're checking for voltage drop between battery post and the terminal, switching the headlights on first will make the voltage drop much easier to detect.

@mikemeneray1437 7 лет назад

Thank you! Very Informative!

@patti.autocad3652 2 года назад

Sir, you are soo thorough! Awesome...

@VintageCars999 4 года назад

Never thought to clean off the surface but these are some good tips for a long lasting battery.

@andrewgoodwin4771 3 месяца назад

Yeah. You made me say wow watching a video about batteryz. Good job. I'm putting that in my things to remember

@scottsullivan7716 Год назад

Old vid, I know BUUUUTTT dielectric grease AKA silicone paste is used instead of 'axle grease' on the cleaned and installed connectors/posts. It does NOT restrict the flow of electricity and keep em weather free! Love you Eric (platonically of course)!!

@normahall6308 3 года назад

You helped me. Thanks for being thorough

@zakartv 6 лет назад

Loved the video. Honesty about the chemicals company’s try to sell you for your battery and terminals.

@akidojlaw537 5 лет назад

Great Vid Eric, thank you

@paulk6216 4 года назад

How to remove stuck battery terminal clamps: Use a flat end screwdriver or the pointy end of a file. Stick it in the gap where the two parts of the clamp come together. Gently tap with a hammer. Clamp should open up and be easy to remove.