You might think that your battery will last forever and you don’t need to do anything to maintain it. I used to think that. But that’s definitely not the truth. In fact, your battery can fail completely if you don’t take some precautions in its care.  Hopefully, we can help you prevent that with the following tips for your battery maintenance.

1. Secure the battery to the proper mounting bracket. If your battery bounces as you’re going down the road, it could become damaged or even fall out if you hit a big bump. At the least, it might cause short circuits in your vehicle’s electrical systems.

2. Make sure the cables are connected properly. Corroded or loose connections could cause unexpected problems at any time while you drive. If you notice corrosion, you can clean the connections with water and baking soda. Or, if you’re unsure, have a professional clean them.

3. Check the fluid level. Some batteries are “maintenance-free,” which means you don’t need to check their fluid levels. But if you don’t have one of these, simply add distilled water to your battery when the fluid is low.

4. Make sure you have the right battery for your vehicle. A variety of problems could occur if you have the wrong size battery.

5. Keep the case clean. This might not seem like a big deal, but dirt can damage or discharge a battery. A simple water-and-baking soda solution poured over the case can keep it clean. Use a nylon brush to wipe any of the really dirty spots.

If you want to get the maximum number of years out of your certified Ford, follow these tips to ensure your battery lasts a long time. It’s one of the most vital parts of your vehicle.