Doing This Will Make Your Car Battery Last Twice as Long
Doing This Will Make Your Car Battery Last Twice as Long, DIY life hacks and car repair with Scotty Kilmer. Car life hacks. How to make car battery last longer. Car battery maintenance. How to keep car battery charged and running for years. Car hacks that will save you hundreds in car battery replacement. 5 minute life hacks to make your car battery run as long as possible. Car maintenance tips. 5 minute hacks. Car Advice. DIY car repair with Scotty Kilmer, an auto mechanic for the last 51 years.
Thanks for watching!
⬇️ Things used in this video:
1. Battery Charger: amzn.to/2AUqUmf
2. Battery Tester: amzn.to/2sA0JN1
3. Battery Terminal Cleaner: amzn.to/2W1b820
4. Battery Terminal Protectant: amzn.to/2ARqb57
5. Common Sense
6. 4k Camera: amzn.to/2HkjavH
7. Camera Microphone: amzn.to/2Evn167
8. Camera Tripod: amzn.to/2Jwog8S
9. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2uUZ3lo
⬇️Scotty’s Top DIY Tools:
1. Bluetooth Scan Tool: amzn.to/2nfvmaD
2. Cheap Scan Tool: amzn.to/2D8Tvae
3. Professional Socket Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg
4. Wrench Set: amzn.to/2kmBaOU
5. No Charging Required Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2CthnUU
6. Battery Pack Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2nrc6qR
🛠Check out the tools I use and highly recommend ► goo.gl/rwYt2y
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This is the people's automotive channel! The most honest and funniest car channel on KZhead. Never any sponsored content, just the truth about everything! Learn how to fix your car and how it works. Get a chance to show off your own car on Sundays. Or show off your own car mod on Wednesdays. Tool giveaways every Monday to help you with your own car projects. We have a new video every day! I've been an auto mechanic for the past 50 years and I'm here to share my knowledge with you.
►Here's our weekly video schedule:
Monday: Tool giveaway
Tuesday: Auto repair video
Wednesday: Viewers car mod show off
Thursday: Viewer Car Question Video AND Live Car Q&A
Friday: Auto repair video
Saturday: Second Live Car Q&A
Sunday: Viewers car show off
►Second Daily Upload Every Afternoon of Live Car Q&A videos as well!
Scotty Kilmer is a participant in the Amazon Influencer Program.
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⬇️ Things used in this video: 1. Battery Charger: amzn.to/2AUqUmf 2. Battery Tester: amzn.to/2sA0JN1 3. Battery Terminal Cleaner: amzn.to/2W1b820 4. Battery Terminal Protectant: amzn.to/2ARqb57 5. Common Sense 6. 4k Camera: amzn.to/2HkjavH 7. Camera Microphone: amzn.to/2Evn167 8. Camera Tripod: amzn.to/2Jwog8S 9. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2uUZ3lo ⬇️Scotty’s Top DIY Tools: 1. Bluetooth Scan Tool: amzn.to/2nfvmaD 2. Cheap Scan Tool: amzn.to/2D8Tvae 3. Professional Socket Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg 4. Wrench Set: amzn.to/2kmBaOU 5. No Charging Required Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2CthnUU 6. Battery Pack Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2nrc6qR 🛠Check out the tools I use and highly recommend ► goo.gl/rwYt2y 🔥Scotty Shirts and Merch ► goo.gl/pTAeca Subscribe and hit the notification bell! ► goo.gl/CFismN Scotty on Social: Facebook ► facebook.com/scottymechanic/ Instagram ► instagram.com/scotty_the_mechanic/ Twitter ► twitter.com/Scottymechanic?lang=en
Hey Scotty, is it necessary to disconnect a car from battery while charger is connected to? Could a cheap charger from eBay damage electronic components of the car (an engine is off, the car key is not in)? From the other side I woldn't like to set up computer, clock, etc. after every recharge of battery.
Number 5 might be hard for some people XD. How would you clean an alternator that has gunk on it?
Hi Scotty ! I love your videos and have now started to consider Toyota's for purchase. I am trying to decide between a 2019 Toyota Highlander limited platinum awd and the 2019 Buick Enclave Avenir. My wife and I really like the OnStar system as I spend most of the year on the road as a truck driver. Any insight you could offer would be greatly appreciated sir.
Scotty Kilmer hey Scotty , your celica has an efi engine , is it affected from the Toyota scandal ( i can't remember the decade it was occurring, but I know that these cars were burning oil like mad )
Scotty Kilmer the vw I got had an normal 60 ah battery and it lasted for 6 years ( bought it brand new ) is this because vw is giving value on quality cars or so all do this ?
I learned sign language just by watching Kilmer
I'm dead 💀😂
😂
I'm deaf, so I lip read. His sign language is not good enough.
😂😂🤣🤣
Haha
I've worked in a battery shop for almost 3 years as a salesman and technician, and I have to say out of all the BS misinformation I've seen online it's nice to see someone who's got it right.
Scotty I use an electrical jointing compound called alminox on battery terminals - lasts the life of the battery
You have to be careful about maintenance batteries that have the tops that do come off. Because many of the newer batteries if you remove the tops the tops will not go back on. They are designed that way and it requires you to get a another battery. Take it from a former mechanic that worked at Advance Auto and AutoZone.
Once a year. Before winter. I dampen the top of my truck battery. Sprinkle a little baking soda on. Use an old tooth brush to scrub terminals and all. Then rinse liberally. Then go for a drive to dry off the area.
Always impressed with the no nonsense pragmatic advice Scotty delivers.
That’s worrisome. No nonsense is not at all how I would describe this
Scotty ? I thought he was Dennis Hopper
- Use your car - Clean corrosion - Correct battery - Have alternator checked periodically - check acid level
Wasn't it distilled water? Where the acid came from. Edit I saw the video and he says fill with acid then distilled water. I am confused
A B The battery (for the most part), is prefilled with sulfuric acid. When the acid level is low (battery plates are exposed), you should use distilled water to bring the acid level in the battery to a point where the plates are covered, but not all the way up to the fill port.
If I had to do all this stuff on my car. I might as well start saving for the perfect second car a ---------.TOW TRUCK.
So is he.
Judging by how twitchy Scotty is, I think he’s doing the acid!
I worked for a large government fleet for 30 years. I changed maybe a thousand batteries in that time. And almost all of them had a way to check the water level, so I did check the water level on all of them. And I found that EVERY. SINGLE. BATTERY was low on water and needed some added - every one, NO EXCEPTIONS! I also jumped plenty of batteries too, that were dead and wouldn't start and if I had the chance, I checked the water level on these too. Yep, all of them were low on water. Lesson learned, i check my batteries for water, every couple of months.
Imagine doing that for cars that make you take a wheel off and take apart the fender to get to a battery!
Learned more about batteries in 8 minutes watching this video and reading comments then what I learned in the last 30 years. 👍😁
Yes, you can learn as much from videos & their comment sections as some public schools & sadly , sometimes more.
Wish all the electrical components on my car was as reliable as the check engine light is.
The check engine light on a Fiat/Chysler product is the only thing that will still work beyond 50,000 miles.
no doubt got to love that money light
Why isn’t this comment pinned? I now have six pack abs thanks to this 🤣
The best part of the day is a new video from Scotty.
My Dad used Vaseline on the terminals after cleaning and that kept the corrosion from coming back. Love your videos
can wd-40 be used?
@@mrlayman9578 NO! It's flammable! And after it wears off, it causes rust. Silicon grease is fine.
@@mrlayman9578as YNRaider said, dielectric grease ( or silicone plumbers oring grease ) is excellent.
@@ynraider did you mean "silicone"? very different than silicon, the main mineral in sand.
I replaced the cheap stock battery in my Nissan 8 years ago with a good quality aftermarket one that was much more powerful. (800 cranking amps vs 500 IIRC) It still works like new and it doesn't produce any corrosion on the terminals at all.
Every day i pray to have an honest talented, mechanic like you Scotty.
You have to hire a mechanic every day?
Honest and talented mechanics prefer making youtube videos than fixing cars 🤣
I learn so much watching your channel Scotty. I never knew the battery tool came apart that way. I actually used that tool for years not realizing that it comes apart and has a scraper to it.
Another trick to use, is cut an old rubber floor mate to the size of the battery support tray, this will reduce vibration, to the battery, and will make last much longer as well.
Awesome thank you!! I recently lost my husband and he took care of the cars and trucks. Now I have to so any help is useful. Thank you!!!!!!!
Sorry for your loss i suddenly lost my wife last may so trust me i feal your pain & its definitely not a easy 🙏🙏💕
Sorry for your loss. Hope this year brings you healing.
Scoty kilmer uncle very handsome ..katy..
Kathy Mason sorry for your loss....as far as cars go, scotty K has your back just search his threads for info, you got this
RIP...sorry for your loss
My wife's battery in her dodge truck lasted for 15 years. Love your videos!
My brother's Walmart Ever Last lasted 10 years- 10 Alberta winters - battery blanket - . I just bought one $36
thank you so much for this info Scotty... I really appreciate everything you do here. You have been such a great help!
Just yesterday noticed in my 2018 F-150 the battery is smaller than the place built to hold it. Bought the truck used with low mileage, but paying attention when Scotty said the manufacturer will put a cheaper battery in new vehicles. I know I use the battery a lot given all the bells and whistles that came with the truck. Time to do another Scotty inspired research.
The Battery Tenders are worth their weight in gold for extending the life of your car battery. The 800 model is super rugged and resists moisture. I bought a Black and Decker once and it just stopped working within a week. I've had my original battery for over 6 years and I live in the upper Midwest.
Scotty’s videos are like having a dad to call when the car is vexing. Got a battery terminal strategy now for my old Honda!
How many miles on your Honda?
I found that a battery warming "blanket" is a big help when it gets cold out here in western colorado
I feel like if you ever see corrosion you probably have a crack in the battery that's letting the acid vapor get it. I say that because it seem like most are pretty tightly sealed these days and I had that happen on a battery recently. And what made me check is that it was the negative terminal, and I don't think I'd ever seen a corroded negative terminal before. And sure enough there was a small crack in the top near the negative terminal.
Good clear simple explanation Scotty. I am an electrical engineer with a specialization in remote power systems. Your hints are very accurate and clear.
Hey Scotty hope you're having a great day, thanks for all the useful tips.
morning and thanks!
Besides mineral deposits if you use any water that is not distilled or that has been in a metal container it will be ionised and can conduct electricity which will short out the plates .
Whenever I know I'm not using a battery for a long time I tip it over and drain the acid out and then rinse a few times with some distilled water. Without acid the batteries can stay good and even be fully charged when you put the acid back in years or even decades later! Now you do have to store the acid which can actually be quite a pain especially if you forget which jug goes to which battery but even buying new acid is way cheaper than a new battery.
Cody, you are a living legend. Seeing that you watch his videos reaffirms my opinion that Scotty probably gives the best car advice on the internet.
I'd rather just buy a new battery and give that one away or sell it than handle acid -
Hmmn neato.. didn't know cars take those kinda trips..
Michael Johnson lol
@@robertmaybeth3434 Same, if you have the budget why go through the trouble of a sitting battery. Most people ain't going to drain acid, if you're not careful it could be possibly be dangerous anyways.
Best battery I've owned is a 5.00 optimum blue top. I bought it in a yard sale over 10 yrs. Used with 2 lawn mowers and 2 trucks. Oh and it out lived a solar panel charging system from harbor freight. Still in use. I don't understand it, but happy with it.
Optima?
@@rogersanchez9635 blue top jel battery .
0:05 I'm glad to see that scotty puts batteries on the concrete floor. Doesn't ruin it or affect it whatsoever despite what you may have heard
Myth long busted
The diodes in the alternator rectify or convert the A.C. (Alternating Current) to D.C. (Direct Current). It is the regulator (either internal or external) that controls the output amps for charging. Otherwise very inspiring to us DIYers. Thanks. Keep em coming!
Agreed! Been doing pretty much the same as you have described in your video; our 2011 Honda and 2012 Toyota still have their OEM batteries and starts our cars so far this past super cold Chicago temp just fine. Thank you!
Scotty, Thank you for posting your very informative and useful videos. As a single woman your information has help me tremendously. Please don't stop posting! Have a wonderful day!
Greatest mechanic ever! Keeps us aware of all things related to our automotive concerns. "Our" automotive knowledge improves and our wallets are saved from unneeded expenses. Thank you for being a consumer advocate, you are greatly appreciated.
23 dislikes are auto part stores and battery manufacturers🤔🤔
Dan Patterson 2,000 of the likes are from Amazon
@@bigpardner You are probably low on that number. I try and buy as much as I can local even know it may cost slightly more. As a small business owner try to keep it local.
@Pedro DLR Amazon CEO even said him self that Amazon will fail one day and after all the small business are gone and Amazon fails where will people go? Then watch the prices jump.
Nope , he doesnt mention ppe.
Dan Patterson what manufactures don’t want you to know. Thanks Scotty 😎🤝
Thanks for the good pointers on batteries...i just bought 5..for 5 different vehicles .. Thx Scotty.
Scotty the German I love your KZhead channel, thank you as always for giving all of us useful information. You have also save me money for years, and is FREE. Blessings Scotty
You missed another key point: Always ensure that the top of the battery surface is clean. If it's covered in grease & grime, a charge can run through that grunge.
The “ sealed “ batteries I’ve had over the years , actually have had tiny removable caps under the top cover . The cover could be prayed up with a thin bladed screw driver .
God Bless you Scotty.....I love this Channel.....so much free useful information. Thank You, Sir.
god doesn't exist.. its only me.
@@livelongandprosper70 I doubt you exist either.
Scotty I like all your insights and stuff.. but I gotta tell ya about *super capacitors.* We have 3 cars Toyota Corolla, Toyota High Ace Van and a Landrover Discovery 3 and when the batteries failed in that order I replaced each with a 20AH AGM with a bank of 6 x 2.7 volt 500 mfd super capacitors (about 1AH but as many amps as the starter motor requires). The Landrover had a 90 AH battery because I discovered its parked service drain on the battery was 0.352 Amps! So I had to put an external kill switch on that one. But they all work fine and I get very long reliability esp the van which has had the same battery for over 12 years with a solar trickle charger in the windscreen. Thanks
BEAM ME UP SCOTTY!You got to respect this auto mastermind for his wealth of knowledge. I really appreciate all of the videos that he has put out. They have definitely taught me a lot and most importantly I have saved a lot of money. Thank you for taking the time to inform us on the real truth of maintaining your car. You are appreciated!
Listening 🎶 to Scotty give advise, makes it sensible to ask questions and for helpful tips.
I just accidentally stumbled upon your videos as recommended by KZhead, and I must say how impressed I am at your practicality, honesty, and thoroughness. You made a new subscriber.
Good idea to also keep the top of the battery clean as it will short out voltage and kill your battery slowly as well... try it with a volt meter
Dump water over it occassionally
@@DawnOfTheDead991 lol and test if there's juice by using your tongue
@@jaynguyen1573 hurr hurr
DawnOfTheDead991 empty troll
@@Tools-awesomeness You are
Thank you for these videos Scotty. For a car dummy like myself, its so very informative.
Topvideo Scotty! Very common, daily things that is neglected by most people and as so many other small things people go "hey it works", yes may do so but by doing such small things you give yourself a more reliable ride, max lifetime and a function that not strains and work most effective.
Very impressed and thorough advice and history. Love your videos Scotty!
Hey great advice for the battery tender. Walmart started carrying their own brand of battery tender. It shows error codes, charges at 3 amps, and is $20 ! I got one and its great its cord is as long as the vehicle !
Gotta love you scotty Thank you for the knoledge. Ive learned so much through out all these yrs watching you and taking notes
#6, make sure the battery is secure in the tray, vibration from a battery moving around in the tray shortens the battery life...
YOU SO HYPED UP, I need some of that thing that gives you that free spirit.
Alcohol
free key leave a clean non offensive comment below 😂
Mass Air Flow sensor cleaner certainly seems to do the job.
Crackhead
Scotty you rock!tks for all the tips. Regards from a português living in Mozambique
Another common issue I found over the years is people love to leave their cell phone charger plugged in the vehicle. Leaving that plugged in is equivalent to leaving one of the interior lights on overnight. It will drain the battery, and enough times of that will eventually kill the battery. So just a little extra advice to go with all of scotty's recommendations, don't leave your phone chargers plugged in while the vehicle is off.
Best to never leave anything plugged in that socket ever imo .
@@PepperWhite62 absolutely I agree 100%
My vehicle turns off electronics, radio, lights after car turned off for a certain time. Used to have a light left on every few years so this has been good for me.
There is no current draw from any of my ports when the car is off.
Good tip!
Another tip is get rid of the STEEL HOLD DOWN BRACKET. I will conduct discharge from post to post over time, shortening battery life. Replace it with heavy plastic or wood.
Great show, Scotty. Thank you.
In the 80's I was told to seal, with silicone, the seam where the lead terminals exit the plastic case. This prevents the gasses from escaping under the terminals causing corrosion. I still do this and have not had terminal corrosion since. The silicon works much better than the spray.
More great info from our main man Scotty...keep up the good work!!
Scott, Thank you for all your helpful tips. Your 40 years of experience is a lifesaver to all of us who live on a budget, and have to survive by fixing the things that we can fix ourselves. I appreciate you.
I has noticed that not traveling long distances weekly. More driving around town and my battery last just passed and Monthly warranty runs out. A car I used to have 25 years ago used to last longer than that. I did have a battery with a large CCA and used to travel over 200 km a week around 140 km on highway (100 kph) road and had a high powered car stereo. I was wondering if that would be from traveling long distance trips?
@@hamisharchibald5270perhaps the performance of the alternator has decreased, check the AC ripple voltage and check the upper limit of the voltage. Also check the engine and body grounding
Those are all Super Great Tips. Even so, I found after about 5 years a good battery will start to go weak to the point that it bears watching especially in winter or if the cranking power seems a bit weaker. Time to use your battery tester then. I do like the one you show in your videos.
Love Scotty’s videos, seems like I learn something new all the time! I don’t consider myself a mechanic by any means. I’m what you call a parts replacer! 😬
Plain and Clear Scotty, Thank You.
Thanks Scotty for always educating! Learn a lot watching your videos keep it up!!!
A wealth of knowledge you are!
Scotty. Battery companies hate this video. Great job.
Awesome , Scotty you give the infomation every car owner needs to know and more thanks
All your videos are amazing thank you for all the information that you've been given us
Scotty, another thing to put out there is most cars if not all cars these days have alarm systems installed at the factory. If these cars are left for a few days without trickle chargers, they draw the battery down too. Just a suggestion. Great job on this anyway.
You're the man Scotty! LFOD!
I love all of your excellent advice Scotty thank you soo much!🤗
I love listening to Scotty ! And learning of course. Loved it when he mentioned his "battery checkin machine" at 1:40. 🤣🤣🤣
I love your "energy" in your videos! You help to keep things "moving"!!! ✌️🖖👌
I swear, when it comes to cars, Scotty is the BEST!
Thanks Scotty! I didn’t know about that battery terminal protectant! Great video!
Thanks Scotty for the you tube channel and your advise.I really appreciate you.
I worked with batteries for years. We would always get the same information again and again during our training program. They never came up with some of the important stuff you said (I guess beautiful we weren't really in to battery maintenance, that much; they just wanted us to sell more batteries) I enjoy very much your videos Scotty 👌
I just took my terminals off to clean them an out them bk on to realize that I had a headlight out now..did I mess something up?
@@Junk_fishing101 no that wouldn't kill a headlight.
It would be an honor to just shake your hand, Scotty if I ever visit Houston. You got one of the best YT channels.
You can't shake his hand because it never stops moving!
@@golden.lights.twinkle2329 😂
I love all your vids Scotty keep them Rollin and keep people like me informed
Great videos Scotty keep up the good work. Very helpful 🧑🔧
I really like the “Tough Kid” photo. It made me laugh. Thx
Hello Scotty! Watch ur vids everyday!!
hello and thanks!
Great guy,...gives very helpful information that even an experienced mechanic can learn from.
I just love your garage Scotty! if I had a house with a garage I think in no time it would look just like yours.
What is the cold cranking amp limitation when picking a larger battery? I would expect you should not jump from a 500 CCA to a 1200 CCA. I know it must fit in the battery box but is there a ratio you should not exceed when picking a stronger battery?
Your garage has me thinking you’re gonna be on the next episode of hoarders 🤣
Great video! Thanks for sharing the info & knowledge
Good job of explaining this well and be able to follow you. I’m in Houston, too.
Scotty, I really love your dynamic and animated personality, and you give a lot of great advice. Please stay safe and continue being awesome. You rock !!!
You are the must intellgent mechanic brain I have ever seen. You are right almost. Best wishes.
Scotty is an intelligent human being,if he would have chosen to be a doctor he would have been the same ,you either have it ,or not ,most of us battle to try to get it.
man, never thought about maintaining the battery until I watched this clip, thanks Scott!
Love this guy's presentation style, and the sense of humor in the pics.
If you do top up your battery, NEVER fill it up too much. Doing so will discharge the battery. Just fill it up with distilled water one quarter of an inch above the lead plates inside.
Just like putting water in an electric forklift.
I always filled each cell to the bottom of the tube below the opening then waited until a cell's level was an 1/8 inch below that before topping off with water.
Never knew you lived in the same city as me after watching you for so long!
Now you have a personal mechanic
Love ya man! Your the best
Hi Scotty, My front started battery has finally started to fail after 13 years which is original to the car from the factory. The rear AGM battery still seems to be fine even if I use the TV or stereo for an hour or more. I've had the car for 5 years now but have always put the batteries on charge after doing short trips or heavy accessory use. I'm happy to extend their life as a new set cost over 500 euros, Cheers.
My red top battery lasted 10 years. I open the hood every time I get home after driving as heat is what kills a battery. Just purchased another red top battery and installed it in my 2006 Kia Sportage.
Charge me up Scotty !!! ... Great video once again... I've been using Hi-temp grease for decades. Just apply a small amount on both terminal's and forget about it ... it's way cheaper then buying those aerosol sprays and whatever else you use . 😉 It's an old school mechanic trick 🤠.
Thanks
Thanks for the good information. I learned many from your video.👍
Oh man.. A lot good information with this guy...love it
Hey Scotty, What do you think about a battery kill switch on on 1986 Pontiac fiero?
You should do a video about how much an alternator can take, like with an aftermarket sound system, auxiliary lights, etc... Thanks!!
You need to install a higher output alternator to run that stuff.
Love your videos.😁👍🏽Aloha! From Hawai’i 🤙🏼