Regular car-battery maintenance can help improve starting reliability, reduce corrosion, and extend battery life. Most modern cars use maintenance-free batteries, so you should not open or add water unless the battery manufacturer specifically says it is serviceable.
Tools and Materials
| Tool / Material | Approx. Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Safety gloves | $3–8 |
| Safety goggles | $3–10 |
| Battery terminal brush | $3–7 |
| Baking soda | $1–3 |
| Distilled water* | $1–3 |
| Clean cloth | $1–3 |
| Digital multimeter | $10–25 |
| Battery charger/maintainer | $25–60 |
| Adjustable wrench/socket set | $10–25 |
| Petroleum jelly or battery-terminal protector | $3–7 |
| Estimated basic setup | $40–90 |
Step-by-Step Maintenance
1. Park safely
Park the car on level ground, switch off the engine, remove the key, and allow the engine compartment to cool.
