LOOK AFTER THE BATTERY

NZ Truth, Issue 1211, 14 February 1929, Page 19

LOOK AFTER THE BATTERY

It Will Save You Lots of Trouble

Much of the battery trouble which causes expense to motor owners may come from neglect on long* tours. With the generator providing a high charging rate hour after hour, overheating of the battery often occcurs, and water is used up rapidly.

BEFORE starting on a tour, it is a good plan to have the output of the generator reduced, or, alternatively, the lights may be kept on during the day. On some cars a generator switch is provided, and this should be kept m the "off" position except for a couple of hours each day. Of course, if one is camping and has rigged up a good lighting equipment, the battery should receive plenty of charging to compensate for the increased current consumption. It is not necessary to carry distilled water, for any wayside garage can supply it. Have the battery "topped" at least once a week, however, for hot weather and much charging soon bring down the level.

i Before starting on a tour, examine the battery -terminals and cables, using plenty of grease to prevent corrosion. Remember that failure of a battery connection may easily fuse all the /lights, and the coil as .well, which would quite disable a car. When a generator fuse blows, suspect the battery connections. Apart from the battery 'wire troubles, most light failures are due to poor connections. Sometimes the contact pins become dirty, or the springs get weak. When you are checking .ov*r the wiring, look out for chafing of the insulation, and fasten down any wires which may chafe through. r should be- replaced before they actually burn out, for their efficiency becomes seriously lowered with age.