Preventive maintenance could help stave off costly repairs
January 12, 2010

One of the best ways to avoid exorbitant expenses is to employ preventive practices. Exercising a few times a week and eating well could stave off trips to the doctor, for instance taking care of routine car maintenance might help you avoid major expenses down the road as well. Earlier, I wrote about ways to winterize your car. If you missed that blog or didn't heed the tips, it's not too late. There are some simple, and even free, measures you can still take that will save you time if not money in the long-run.

Pull into an auto parts store to check on the life of your battery. Once temperatures dip below 32 degrees, as they had for days until now, only two-thirds of the battery's power becomes available, said John Cyphers, owner of Batteries Plus in Atlanta. Extreme temperatures, hot or cold, are a drain.

Cyphers offers a few indicators of potential battery problems:
1. Slow crank - This is a fairly obvious one, but must be mentioned. If it's slow to crank or is turning over slowly, you could have trouble with your battery. The store will check the battery and alternator for free. If neither of those are the culprits, it could be an issue with the starter.
2. Corroded posts - Corrosion, that green or white muck found on the posts, gets especially bad as the battery begins to wear. Do It Yourself solutions, like pouring a little Coca-Cola on the posts or using a solution of baking soda and water and scrubbing, will take care of the issue in the short-term. Still, the battery should be checked.
3. Extreme temperatures - If you've been driving in exceptional heat or cold for an extended period, have the battery checked.
4. Turn them off - To preserve an already dying battery, avoid using as many of the electrical components in your car as possible, such as the radio or heat. They all drain the life out of a battery.
In the end, there is no getting around the need for a car battery. No matter how well you take care of your vehicle, the time will come when you'll need a new battery. The advantages of preventive maintenance, though, may give you some time to look for sales or deals on batteries. You can also avoid being stranded, in which case you may have to pay for a jump or even worse, towing.