Bike's battery requires regular care and attention. Set a reminder to spend time checking the battery so that your battery never fails to power your bike.
Battery is a critical element that puts your bike on the starting mode and provides energy to other parts like lights and horns when required. While battery keeps your bike in proper health it is equally important to ensure that battery's health is properly taken care of.
There are some tell-tale signs that provide signs that your battery's health is not in proper order.
Signs which suggest that your battery requires maintenance:
a. Lights and horns of the bike are not working. Frequent loss of battery power while you are starting your bike.
b. Slow and struggling movement of the starter motor which fails to start the bike
c. You might hear clicking sound while attempting to kick-start the bike. This noise normally emanates from the starter that does not start. Foul smell of sulphur while you are riding the bike.
d. You are required to recharge your battery every couple of days. This means that your battery is not being able to hold charge beyond two days and is ill-functioning.
Battery maintenance system and tips
Regular check-up
It is a good practice to regularly check-up your bike's battery. Monthly check-up is ideal to take preventive actions to keep the battery in good health.
Electrolyte levels
Regularly check and ensure that the electrolyte levels are kept within the upper and lower limit marked on the container of conventional lead-based batteries.
The electrolyte should be handled with utmost care while topping upto the upper limit.
Cleaning the terminal
Terminals and nearby areas should be properly cleaned to prevent corrosion and to maintain them in a dry condition at all times.
Exhaust tube
Prevent clogging of the exhaust tube in the battery.
Preventing formation of excessive sulfation
Though formation of sulfate on the surface of the battery is normal, excessive sulfation leads to the breakdown of the battery. Excessive sulfation is generally caused due to under or over charging of battery for a prolonged period. Care should be taken to prevent excessive sulfation of battery.
Grime free battery
The battery should be cleaned off any dust, grime and small pollutants that may have accumulated. The battery should be dry and grime free always.
Regular charging
The battery should be regularly charged even during long periods of non-use. Discharging the battery in an idle state can harm the battery; therefore, keep charging the battery every month even if it is not used for a long time.
Take care of yourself
While maintaining battery make sure you are vigilant at all times and do not harm yourself. Never allow the battery to drop while you are in the vicinity. Wear appropriate protective gears like goggles and gloves to prevent chances of getting hurt while handling acid and other chemicals in the battery.
Bike's battery requires regular care and attention. Set a reminder to spend time checking the battery so that your battery never fails to power your bike. Have a smooth start and enjoy the ride!
Photograph: Courtesy, Indian Motorcycles
