Your car battery can last how long!?

Well, that depends on how well it is cared for but generally anywhere from 2 years on the low end, to 5 years on the high end. BUT…this super simple battery maintenance could add a year or more to its lifespan.

How to perform car battery maintenance

Using a socket or spanner, remove the battery terminals (negative first). A squirt of CRC Battery Maintenance Cleaner will loosen any buildup. Uncap your battery terminal and post cleaner and give each terminal a scrub before tucking it out of the way.

Apply the CRC Battery Maintenance Cleaner to each battery post as well, and across the top of the battery if there are signs of acid build up here. Then wipe it all down with a rag.

Rinse your battery with some fresh water, re-fit the terminals (positive first) and once everything is dry – coat each terminal with CRC Battery Terminal Protector.

What is a MAF sensor?

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is responsible for telling your car how much air is entering the engine, so that the correct amount of fuel can be added. The build-up of dirt and grime over time will cause slight errors in the reading, resulting in poor fuel economy and loss of power. SO! You have to keep your MAF sensor clean

How to clean a MAF sensor

CAUTION

MAF sensors are highly sensitive, nothing should EVER make physical contact with the delicate wire filament in your MAF sensor. Even the wrong cleaning fluid will cause damage. Use only CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner.

If your car is equipped with a MAF sensor, it will be situated near the air box. Pop the airbox lid and remove the air filter to gain access to the MAF sensor or even better – remove the sensor if possible.

Soak the sensor with CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner using short, sharp blasts from all angles. It’s that simple! Now for the throttle body.

How to perform a throttle body clean

First you’ll need to remove the intake hose from the throttle body, usually just a matter of removing a hose clamp. Reach for a can of CRC Throttle Body and Air Intake Cleaner and spray this into the throttle body and over the intake butterfly. You’ll see the filth begin to wash away. If necessary; agitate the throttle body with one of your small brushes.

Wipe the area gently with a clean rag, then open the intake butterfly and continue to spray the product into the throttle body to achieve the full deep clean. By the time you’ve reassembled the intake, your car will be ready to start.

But before you start it, let’s tackle any exhaust leaks.

How to fix an exhaust leak

Exhaust leak repair is usually something left to a professional exhaust shop. But if you have just a small leak, you can often do your own exhaust leak repair. A black sooty mark will reveal the source of the leak. Clean this and the surrounding area with your wire brush, then wet the area with a little water. CRC Maniseal can be used for an effective exhaust leak repair. Apply plenty of Maniseal to the leak directly from the tube, using an old knife or a gloved finger to spread the sealant. To cure CRC Maniseal, you’ll need to run the engine for 10 minutes, then keep the car off the road overnight while it fully cures. If you’re having trouble starting the engine, this could be due to the throttle body cleaner. The effects are temporary, and a bit of CRC Aerostart will get it fired up no worries.

How to fix a noisy belt on your car

A noisy belt is annoying, but it can also be inefficient. Fixing a noisy belt on your car can be as simple as spraying some CRC Belt Dressing, which will also keep your belts supple to increase traction and prolong their life. While the engine is running, simply target the straw at the inside face of each belt, and spray until the belt has done a couple of revolutions. Try not to overdo it, as the sling off can be quite messy.