Anyone who has ever owned a vehicle of any type knows that maintenance is one of the most important processes of a vehicle's life. Good vehicle ownership comes from adopting a philosophy of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” What actions comprise maintenance, though, are very different depending on what part of your vehicle you’re looking to help upkeep. This article will give you some quick tips on how to upkeep your battery cable wire, while also telling you how to know when it’s time for some replacements.
1. Keep an Eye on Temperature and Moisture
As with most vehicle parts, keeping your vehicle out of the elements can make a big difference to the life and maintenance of your battery cable wire. Dry-docking or garaging your vehicle (of course, depending on whether it is a marine or land vehicle) can help ensure that your cables aren’t subject to moisture and temperature fluctuations any more than is necessary. While all parts of a vehicle are designed to be somewhat resilient, frequent temperature fluctuations and exposure to moisture can help degrade nearly any material. Specifically, the copper inside your battery cable wire could become damaged by expansion and contraction of the insulation due to temperature fluctuation. Additionally, moisture can corrode copper and cable leads, especially if that moisture also contains heavy salt content.
2. Be Careful With Flexibility
Any time you move your battery cable wire within the battery compartment, make sure that you are careful with how you position the wire. While many types of battery cable are quite flexible, cable that is more heavily insulated can be resistant to being bent. Never over-bend cable, and when you check on your cable, make sure it isn’t being forced into a position that is straining it. Cable being strained or flexed during or after maintenance of other parts of your vehicle can become damaged or degraded, contributing to a shorter life.
3. Know When It’s Time for a New Cable
There are a couple of surefire signs that you need to replace your cable. Always replace your cable as soon as possible if you notice any of these signs. Split or worn insulation is one of the most important signs to be able to recognize. If insulation is split, it poses dangers both to your electrical system and yourself while you do maintenance on the vehicle.
Another important sign to watch out for is rust, buildup, or residue around the leads of your battery wire. This could indicate degradation of your leads or the copper near the ends of your cables, or it could also indicate battery acid leakage that has damaged your wires. Make sure to avoid contact of buildup and residue with skin, as it could still be corrosive to the touch.
The last important sign to keep in mind is unnatural sounds from your wires. Crackling, popping, or crinkling noises are all signs that degradation has occurred within the wires.
If you have more questions or find yourself looking for new cables, come visit us at www.ewcswire.com! Our team of professionals can help you find what you need today.
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