IT'S HARD TO WAIT for the perfect day to get the boat back in the water and the ATV back on the trails. The open road is calling for you to get the motorcycle ready and to embark on your next big RV adventure. But you won’t get far if that fancy toy has a battery that won’t hold a charge after a long winter stored away. You did those winter-maintenance tasks to keep your batteries in top condition. Now that it’s spring, get them performance-ready. Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance regimen to help extend the life and improve the performance of your batteries, which saves you money over their lifespans. We asked CAA Battery Depot’s Steven Millar for some expert tips, so read on — and remember, you can bring in your batteries for a free bench test.

BATTERY MAINTENANCE TIPS:

• Visual inspection. Look for signs of damage, such as cracks due to freezing. A damaged case means your battery may need to be replaced.
• Invest in a quality battery charger and maintainer. Automatic chargers or maintainers are convenient for any battery that may not be used for extended periods as they automatically turn off after charging, preventing potential damage. However, manual-style chargers do a better job on your car and truck batteries as they will achieve a complete charge, but note that this style of charger does not turn off automatically. Consider using a timer.
• Keep a full charge. Batteries perform best at full charge. They can lose charge if idle for too long. Consider charging them overnight to bring them up to full power.
• Clean terminals. Corrosion or dirt on battery terminals reduces efficiency. For vehicles like cars, motorcycles and watercraft, disconnect the battery and clean the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water. Rinse, then apply a light coat of waterproof grease to protect the terminals from future corrosion.
• Follow charging schedules. First, check the manual. ATVs, kids’ ride-on toys and similar items should typically be charged for a minimum number of hours after each use. Do not charge batteries for longer than the recommended time and avoid fully depleting them.
• Store batteries properly. Fully charge your batteries before storage, especially for winter. A monthly maintenance charge can keep them in good shape for spring use.
• Test batteries regularly. During routine maintenance of cars and trucks, ensure your battery is tested, especially before long trips. Don't forget, you can bring your batteries to CAA Battery Depot for a free checkup. CAA