5 Smart Tips to Maintain Your Motorcycle Battery
Having your bike up and running relies on the effectiveness of each single part. When your bike is experiencing problems, it might be smart to start looking into things like Superbike Loans. However, to achieve a fully operational motorcycle, you got to keep each part in perfect shape. One such essential component is the battery, which we often overlook and ignore till it stops working. Ensure that you have a voltmeter to check and examine the running of the battery. Battery cells are highly poisonous and capable of polluting the environment. Ensure that you dispose of the battery by following the manufacturer’s approvals
Point 1: Park your bike in an insulated and roofed parking space:
To begin with, does where and for how long you park your bike matters? Out in the open, there is always the risk of exposing the battery to either direct sunlight or rains. The storms-water, in particular, can be very destructive especially for lengthy times. The rainwater can trickle into the rubber seals to the battery panel which results in corrosion. Besides the downpours, extreme cold can also be damaging to your battery. A high drop in the outside temperature drains the battery thus the need for constant recharging.
Not only will parking the motorbike safe protect its paint-job, but will also keep your battery safe. You are probably wondering how. The cover and insulation help prevent the excessive heat and moisture from reaching your battery. For sure, the battery is secured by panels that shield it thoroughly, but at times, these shields can decompose and collapse thereby exposing your battery to moisture and heat. You can avoid this by covering the motorcycle and battery well. For those people living in colder climates, your battery could go flat unexpectedly due to sudden drops in temperature. It always happens when you park the bike outdoor.
Point 2: Keep your battery safe and secure:
Most bikes batteries have a rubber fastening that holds them in place. Always make sure that the band is in place to minimize any possible movements especially when you corner the bike. Unfastened batteries are risky because they can cause the acid and water mixture to crack and drip out. When the mixture spills onto the bike’s body, it causes acidic corrosion on your motorcycle’s paintwork, and some of these damages are irreparable since acid eats away anything it comes in contact with it. To keep the battery safe, make sure that the strut that supports the battery is always clear of wreckages and free from rust and corrosion. Also, ascertain that you firmly attach the terminals. The place you park your bike is as important as how you position the battery in the motorbike. Ensure that it is held tight and does not sway with the movement of the motorcycle. It will minimize bumps that cause spillage
Point 3: Let your battery take in fresh air too:
Ensure that the battery’s vent holes and venting pipes are clear and open. Also, ensure that there are more than enough ventilations. When battery cells act in response to the electrolyte, it leads to the production of hydrogen. The release of hydrogen is through the vents, but when hydrogen builds up If the blocked pipes fatal reactions occur. Hydrogen being a highly flammable and explosive gas, the battery could burst or explode.
Point 4: Keep battery terminals clean and sufficiently greased:
Battery terminals tend to accumulate dirt, gravel, and sludge which ultimately tarnish and rust the terminals. Sooner or later it will inhibit charge from passing to the battery. Always ensure that during every service, you clean and grease well the terminals and electrodes. To minimize chances of grime building up on the electrodes, you should do it from time to time and give it plenty greasing
Point 5: Top it up with distilled water only
Pay attention to the electrolyte’s level regularly. If there is a need for a top up, use distilled water only. Tap water has many impurities (mostly metal and mineral traces) that can tarnish the battery cells especially when it reacts with the electrolyte. You should never add acid to a battery either. To prolong a batteries life (especially after accidental or unintentional discharges), you should charge and top it up fully. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the suggested batteries that work well with your motorcycle. You should also use the right charger on your battery as some could damage it
Author Bio: Ronald Bounds
My name is Ronald Bounds, founder and editor in chief here at Motorcycle Center. We are enthusiastic about speed and travel. This website is built to introduce the best, newest motorcycle accessories for you. We help you to choose motorcycle accessories for yourself without much time.