Check Battery Monthly

• Sealed lead acid batteries are equipped with an electrolyte monitor built into the top of the battery. This clear circle will appear bright green when all is well with your battery, changing to yellow or black if the charge begins to fade or something goes wrong. Checking the battery once a month by merely glancing at the eye will let you know whether the battery is operating normally or might be in need of a charge. If a low charge is indicated, you'll want to have a mechanic test your electrical system and alternator.
  
  

Get Rid of Corrosion

• Sealed batteries can corrode around the terminals. This crusty, white, powdery buildup can shorten battery life and lead to other electrical problems if the corrosion is not removed. Get rid of corrosion by disconnecting the battery cables and pouring a solution of equal parts baking soda and water on the terminals. Be careful not to let the water touch both terminals--keep an old towel or rag between them.
  
  Scrub the battery posts with steel wool to remove the corrosion. You can wrap a piece of steel wool around an old toothbrush to scrub inside the battery post clamps.
  
  

Secure the Battery

• When checking corrosion, take a moment to tighten the clamp that secures the battery to the steel plate underneath it. Tighten the clamp with a few turns of the wrench to ensure the battery cannot wiggle around and potentially come lose, whih could damage the battery cables and possibly engine components.