How to Care for Your Batteries

How To Care For Your Battery

DIXON Premium Batteries are designed to have a long and trouble-free life. However, the lifespan of your battery is affected by how you treat and maintain it. Here are some helpful tips on how to properly care for your DIXON Premium Battery:

  • Only top-up with approved battery water
  • Check the battery water every 3 months, this service is done for free at our branches
  • Keep the battery terminals clean and tightly fastened
  • Make sure your battery is fitted securely in your vehicle
  • Check that the fan belt on your alternator is not slipping and that the alternator is charging the correct amount for your battery

 

How To Jump Start Your Vehicle

On the off chance that you somehow run your battery flat and need to jump start your vehicle, here is a step-by-step guide on how to correctly jump start a vehicle. Jump-starting a vehicle can be both dangerous and costly if done incorrectly. Check the owner’s manual for both vehicles BEFORE attempting to jump-start a vehicle, and follow the car manufacturer’s procedures. When using jumper cables, some vehicle manufacturers recommend that you turn off the engine of the good vehicle in order to protect the vehicle’s electrical system and/or computer electronics.

Please Note: These instructions do not necessarily apply to all vehicles, so when in doubt, consult your manual or call your nearest service station.

NB: Avoid sparks from shorting near the battery in order to prevent an explosion.

Fully charged batteries contain hydrogen and must be treated with care. It’s a good idea to wear safety glasses when jumpstarting batteries. Ensure that the vehicles DO NOT TOUCH! Turn off all vehicle accessories such as the air-conditioner, heater, lights and radio.

Step 1: Connect one end of the POSITIVE (red) jumper cable to the POSITIVE (+) terminal post on the dead battery.
Step 2: Connect the POSITIVE clamp on the other end of the cable to the POSITIVE (+) terminal post on the good starting battery.
Step 3: Connect one end of the NEGATIVE (black) jumper cable clamp to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal on the good battery.
Step 4: Connect the other end of the NEGATIVE jumper cable to a clean, unpainted area on the engine block of the dysfunctional vehicle.
Step 5: Start the disabled vehicle.
Step 6: Disconnect the jumper cables in the REVERSE order beginning with the NEGATIVE (-) clamp on the ENGINE BLOCK of the disabled vehicle.

While this is the generally accepted jump-start procedure, DIXON Premium Batteries is not responsible for any damage caused to any vehicle by using the above procedural steps.