Q: What are the important steps to follow when performing battery maintenance on Ford Taurus?
A: When maintaining a battery, prioritize safety. Use necessary equipment like a face shield, safety goggles, rubber gloves, battery terminal cleaner, felt washers, baking soda, and petroleum jelly. Turn off the engine and accessories, disconnect negative terminal cables, and avoid sparks, smoking, or open flames near the battery. Be cautious of corrosive sulfuric acid and wear safety glasses. Check for damage, corrosion, loose connections, cracks, and hold-down clamps. Clean with warm water and baking soda, wearing goggles and gloves. Ensure tray and clamp fasteners are good. Reinstall the battery properly if removed. Jump-starting or disconnecting cables may require PCM relearning. Remove corrosion with baking soda solution. Cover damaged metal parts with zinc-based primer and paint. Use a slow-rate charger for safe and efficient charging. Higher amperage should not exceed 1/10th of battery's amp/hour rating. Rapid boost charges are for emergencies and take 12-16 hours.