Battery is to a bike, what sense is to the body. And yet this vital machine organ is often overlooked out of laid back tendencies. Although, the humble battery calls for very little monthly attention to deliver consistent performance, it seldom gets the deserved care resulting in unpleasant breakdowns. That’s when we instantly repent the ignorance towards this integral part of the bike’s mechanism. However, it’s too late by then. To spare you the hassle in future, here are a few vital tips to tend your bike battery. If these simple tips are duly applied, more rewarding rides will definitely be on the way…

• Monitor the electrolyte level from time to time. Top up only with distilled or deionized water. Do not use tap water as it has minerals which seldom do any good to the batteries.

• Top up in a well-ventilated area, beware of fumes. Wear gloves and protective glasses.

• When charging conventional batteries, loosen vent caps and ventilate charging area. A buildup of hydrogen and oxygen in the battery or in the charging area can create an explosion hazard.

• Check cables, clamps, and case for loose connections. Clean terminals and connectors are imperative. Replace the caps firmly.

• When not in use for a long time, batteries may give a hard time to hold a charge. Make sure the exhaust tube is free of clogging.

• Recharge when the lights dim, the starter sounds weak, or the battery hasn’t been used in more than two weeks. Bottom line, keep the battery charged to 100%.

• A battery that is fully charged will have a longer life and is less likely to freeze during cold weather.

• If you remove the battery from your bike, DO NOT store it on a concrete or metal surface. Rather place it on a wood or other non-conductive surface. Batteries stored on concrete or metal will discharge over time.

• Never replace the maintenance-free battery for another battery unless the applications book permits it.

• Always choose the battery that suits your equipment type and the output required. Make sure you have the right battery before you charge and install it. Save yourself the trouble of wasting unnecessary time and money to buy another battery. Find the most suited battery type for your bike at tatagreenbatteries.com

• While connecting the battery to a charger ensure that the positive charger leads to +ve battery post and negative charger leads to -ve battery post.

• Unplug the charger or turn it off before you disconnect the leads, to avert spark possibilities.

• During charging, if the battery becomes hot, stop immediately. Allow the battery to cool before charging again as prolonged heating may damage the plates, even explode.

TATA Green Batteries offer a wide range of innovative world-class batteries for two wheeler, passenger cars, utility vehicles, commercial vehicles, farm equipment and inverters. These maintenance-free batteries are built to deliver highest performance for all kinds of vehicles. Visit www.tatagreenbatteries.com for detailed insights and products for your machine.