For your vehicle to start well, it is very important to have a regular preventive maintenance program for the battery; however, it's necessary to have the right safety equipment before doing any battery maintenance which includes battery terminals cleaner or post/cable cleaner, treated felt washers, petroleum jelly, a puller, baking soda, rubber gloves and a face shield. Stop the engine and accessories when working on the battery and disconnect cable from its negative terminal as a precaution against accidents. Remember that hydrogen gas is flammable and explosive so you should keep away sparks smoking or open flames near it as well as charge it in a properly ventilated area. Battery electrolyte is made up of corrosive sulfuric acid hence one must ensure there is no contact with eyes or skin or clothes even children may be far away from it. Check if there are external conditions such as corroded connections, cracked case and damaged terminal covers present on the battery. In case of corrosion, remove the battery and clean both clamps of the cable plus terminals along with top using warm water mixed with baking soda ensuring you are wearing goggles for protection as well as gloves made out of rubber then rinse with water alone to be thorough. Verify that the tray where battery was placed in is still good state before reinstalling without leaving anything inside it. Reconnect cable clamps but don't overtighten on hold-down clamp bolts. Use a solution of water mixed with baking soda when cleaning off corrosion on hold-down components and related areas followed by rinsing with plain water only. Any metal parts damaged by corrosion should be covered with a zinc based primer and painted afterwards.Its better during winter to use a two amp charger in slowly charging back discharged batteries or maintaining charge while rotating all cells slowly in order to recharge them fully overnight.. In addition rapid boost charges should only be used for emergencies but they should not exceed 1/10th amp/hour rating of your batterly. The charger should come with a mean time of charging which is usually 12 to 16 hours for a trickle charger that performs the process slowly until your battery is fully charged.
