Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Maintain your car's battery

A lot of car owners take their car's battery life for granted and fail to understand there are a number of things an owner can do to keep it in tip top condition. See our simple steps below for what to look for when inspecting your battery and how to keep it clean.

• Begin with the simple: keeping your battery clean. A dirty case can actually cause current to drain. Wipe with a damp rag. Use a mild detergent if necessary.
• Next, clean the battery posts or terminals. Loosen and remove the negative cable (black or minus sign) first, then the red positive cable. Use a brass wire battery brush dipped in a paste made from a few tablespoons of baking soda and a little water.
• Inspect the battery case for damage, such as cracks or bulges — signs that a battery needs to be replaced.
• Reinstall the cables, positive first, and coat the terminals and clamps with a thin coating of grease to prevent new corrosion.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip courtesy of Reader's Digest.