_0.jpg)
.jpg)
Before that happens it's best to start thinking about our cars and take some precautions now to avoid the winter blues later on.
The component that tends to come under the most stress in winter, and usually fails first, is the battery that powers our car.
We might think it's the engine that powers out car, but it won't be going anywhere if the battery is flat, and there are few things worse than being stuck with a car that won't start on a cold winter's morning when you're already late for work.
To check the battery start by reading the owner's manual to find out where the battery is located. On most cars it's in the engine bay, but it can also be mounted in the boot.
If the battery is old, three to five years, it's worth having it checked by a battery specialist to ensure it's up to the task come the winter months.
It's common to find the build-up of corrosion on the terminals; it's a white crystalline substance that can affect the battery's performance.
Pouring boiling water over the terminals is enough to clean the corrosion off the outside of the terminals, but to clean them properly it's necessary to disconnect them.
Before you do disconnect the terminals make sure you have the radio's security code handy as you'll need that when you reconnect the battery again. If you don't have it, get it from you dealer or manufacturer before you go any further. Without it you won't be able to use your radio.
To disconnect the terminals loosen the terminal clamps, negative first and positive last, and then wash the corrosion away from the battery terminals and the clamps with boiling water.
Dry the terminals and clamps and reconnect the leads, positive first and negative last. To help stall the build-up of corrosion apply a smear of Vaseline or other petroleum jelly over the outside of the terminal.
Do not apply the jelly to the terminal before you connect the leads as that could affect the conductivity and lower the battery's performance.
.jpg)
.jpg)
