Battery care is generally minimal for today's automobiles largely due to the use of maintenance free batteries.  It is however, important to check the battery condition and clean the terminals once a year.  We find that a large percentage of electrical system failures can be traced back to corroded connections or batteries that are below specification.

The best time for battery maintenance in the northeast is in the fall.  Battery output is greatly reduced in cold temperatures, therefore it is wise to be sure your battery is up to specification before it gets cold.   If testing reveals a weak battery, it is always wise to replace it immediately.  The longer a weak battery remains in a car the more strain it places on the charging system.  Alternators and voltage regulators sometimes fail for the simple reason that they were overworked by a weak battery.  The battery will still have to be replaced along with the alternator.

Battery terminal corrosion should be cleaned any time it is found.  A professional cleaner or a paste made from baking soda and water can be used to aid in the removal of corrosive material.  It is not sufficient just to put some cleaner on the terminals and hope for the best. 

The terminals need to be removed from the battery and cleaned with a wire brush, along with the battery posts. 

Appropriate care must be taken to avoid skin or eye contact with battery acid (also present in the corrosion).  In order to help prevent future corrosion, petrolium jelly can be applied to the posts and the terminals. 

Park Automotive installs quality Interstate batteries that carry a nationwide warranty. 

Always use a battery that meats the specifications of the original battery.