Practice question

Do "maintenance-free" batteries require regular cleaning of terminals?

  1. Yes, they should be cleaned regularly
  2. No, they do not require cleaning
  3. Only if visual signs of corrosion are present
  4. Yes, but only once a year

Answer: A — Yes, they should be cleaned regularly

While "maintenance-free" batteries do not require regular water checks or electrolyte level maintenance like traditional batteries, they can still accumulate dirt, grime, and corrosion at the terminals over time. This accumulation can hinder electrical connections and reduce the battery's performance. Regular cleaning of battery terminals helps ensure that the connections remain strong and functioning efficiently. This practice also helps to prevent potential starting issues due to poor connectivity and prolongs the battery's lifespan. Therefore, keeping the terminals clean is a good maintenance practice even for maintenance-free batteries.

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