1. Have battery and charging system checked by qualified persons seasonally.
2. Batteries produce explosive gasses. Avoid sparks and open flames near the battery.
3. Always disconnect the negative ground lead when working on or near the battery.
4. Visually inspect the battery on a regular basis. Terminals must be clean and tight. Top of battery is clean and dry. Remove any oil and dirt that may accumulate.
5. Check the electrolyte level. Top up with distilled water. Do not overfill!
6. Check that the battery is held securely. Inspect hold-down nuts and bolts for looseness and corrosion.
7. When storing for long periods. Make sure the battery is fully charged and store in a cool and dry place. Avoid excessive heat or cold.
8. If car is used on short trips, take it out for occasional long drives to fully charge the battery.
9. Avoid overcharging and deeply discharging the battery.
10. Avoid boosting vehicles with sophisticated electronics, especially newer car models.

1. Check the condition of the battery. Make sure that the solution is at an ample level.
2. Check for loose contacts. Make sure that the terminals are always clean. A corroded clamp will have little contact on the battery post thus stopping current flow. Apply mineral grease or petroleum jelly on the terminals to prevent corrosion.
3. Check for loose clamps, terminals, and body ground.
4. Before starting the vehicle, check for unwanted load. Make sure that all accessories are switched  "OFF."
5. For diesel engine vehicles, maintain a good set of heater plugs. A quick heating engine will be quick to start.
6. In the condition that the battery discharges, it must be brought to full charge to prevent sulfating.
7. Check the charging system. The ideal volt reading is 13.4 volts to 14.6 volts for 12 volt systems and 26.8 volts to 29.2 volts for 24 volt systems.
8. Spouting of the electrolyte solution indicates overcharging. Check the voltage regulator.
9. Boiling when the RPM increases indicates overcharging. Check the voltage regulator.
10. Frequent addition of the distilled water indicates leak or overcharging.
11. Broken and exploding cases were caused by overcharging or plugged vents.
12. Intermittent presence of power indicates loose contacts. Check terminals and body ground.
13. Sparking during installation indicates short or reverse polarity. Stop installation and check connections.
14. Presence of smoke inside the cell indicates a shorted cell.
15. High specific gravity reading indicates high sulfur content in solution. Reduce the level of solution and add distilled water according to concentration of solution.

What is the proper way to jump start a car with a discharged battery.

When jump starting, always wear proper eye protection and never lean over the battery. Do not jump start a damaged battery. Inspect both batteries before connecting the booster cables. Be sure vents and caps are tight and level. Place damp cloth over the vent caps of both batteries. Make sure that the vehicles are not touching and both ignition switches are turned in the "OFF" position.

a) Connect positive (+) booster cable to positive of discharged battery
b) Connect other end of positive (+) terminal to assisting battery
c) Connect negative (-) cable to negative (-) of assisting battery
d) Make final connection of negative (-) cable to negative (-) terminal or engine block/frame of stalled vehicle
e) You are now ready to start your stalled vehicle.
f) In removing the cable, remove in reverse order of connection.