Typical Problems

• Several conditions may lead to or cause problems with your battery: low electrolyte level (other than maintenance-free batteries); dirty or damaged top and case; corroded or damaged battery terminals and posts; and loose or broken hold-down.
  
  

Dead Battery

• Use a hydrometer to check the condition of the battery charge. If necessary, try to slow charge the battery. This improves the chemical reaction of the battery and active materials, says James E. Duffy in Modern Automotive Technology.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Regular maintenance prevents most battery problems [modenadude/Flickr.com].
  
  Include your battery in your regular car maintenance schedule. Every three months, check those points that may lead to problems and only use battery acid or distilled water to bring the electrolyte up to proper level when needed.
  
  

Tools

• Use a soft brush and a solution of warm water and baking soda to clean the battery case and corrosion off the battery terminals. Use a battery post-cleaning tool to clean posts and battery cable terminals.
  
  

Warning

• When jump-starting your vehicle, always follow this sequence to connect jumper cables: connect the red jumper cable to the positive side of the good battery; then connect the other end of the same cable to the positive side of the dead battery. Connect the black jumper cable to the negative side of the good battery and the other end to chassis ground on the vehicle with the dead battery. This will keep a possible spark away from the dead battery and prevent a possible accident.