CAN'T start your motorbike with one press of the electric starter? Are your headlights dimmer than usual during start-up?

If your motorcycle was all right the night before, the problem could be your battery.

Perhaps, it's time you changed it. A motorcycle battery - usually found under the seat - gives the motorbike the 'juice' to power lights and other electronic equipment.

It needs to be charged and monitored from time to time.

Said Boon Siew Singapore's workshop foreman Lim Ewe Heng: 'You can prolong the life of your battery by maintaining the fluid (electrolyte) level.

'It's not difficult to do, but riders seldom bother because they would have to remove the seat or side panels.'

Not riding your motorcycle for more than two weeks may drain the battery's charge.

Mr Lim added: 'It's not enough just to start your bike and rev it for 10 minutes in the mornings. You need to ride the motorcycle daily.

'When you ride, not only will you be charging the battery, you would also be able to detect when your battery is going flat.'

The motorcycle battery we are featuring is the 'wet' type.

Unlike the 'dry' type, which is more expensive and hassle-free, you need to maintain the electrolyte level in a 'wet' battery.

A 'wet' battery has a high and low level indicator on it.

Topping up - only with distilled water - should be done during your monthly battery inspection.

BATTERY COOKING

If you neglect the fluid level and continue to ride, your 'battery will cook', said MrLim.

When checking your battery, make sure that the positive and negative terminals are clean and grime-free.

Do not fill the battery with too much water as spilt battery water will corrode cables and terminals.

The acidic liquid could also 'eat' into your riding jacket or pants, ruining them.

Check your battery by testing it with a voltmeter.

If your battery dies on you while you're riding, you could 'revive' your motorcycle by push-starting it.

But don't abuse your already weak battery by continuing to ride long distances.

Get it replaced or checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.

This is the last segment of Tool Time. Watch out for more technical maintenance tips in the future.