5 tips to keep your battery running longer
A car battery is an essential part of an automobile. Batteries provide the zap your vehicle needs to keep rolling. From getting your car started so you can head to work, or allowing you to charge your phone on the go. That’s why it’s so important to know when to start considering a car battery change, as well as what you can do to extend its lifespan.
The average car battery life lasts between 2 and 5 years. One of the most critical factors that affect how long a car battery will last is the weather. A running engine under the hood produces high levels of heat. Throw in a scorching hot day, and you have a severe drain on your car battery that leads to an increased chance of a dead battery if you do not take proper summer driving precautions.
There are tips that will help you to run your battery longer such as:
- Limit short rides
Quick car rides prevent your car’s battery from fully charging. You should maintain your car’s battery power by driving it frequently and for extended periods. Consider investing in a portable car battery charger if you don’t use your car often. These portable chargers can jump-start your battery without another vehicle in case you are ever stranded.
- Keep your battery tightly fastened
A battery that’s not securely fastened can vibrate, potentially resulting in internal damage and short circuits. You should have your battery terminal checked regularly, especially if you frequently drive on bumpy roads in order to ensure its tightly and properly positioned in the mounting bracket.
- Turn off all the lights when you exit
Accidentally keeping your headlights and car door lights on can put a heavy toll on your vehicle’s battery. You should post a note on your dashboard and attach a sticker reminder on your car remote or park in a direction where you must walk the past your headlights to get to your destination.
- Control the corrosion
Battery terminals corrode over time but keeping them clean from buildup is a great way to extend the life of your car battery. Scrub the terminals with a toothbrush dipped in a baking soda and water mixture. Then, using a spray bottle with cold water, rinse the mixture off and follow up with a thorough drying with a clean cloth.
- Test your battery often
Knowing the condition of your car battery matters when you want to maximize its life, test your battery’s output voltage level with a car battery tester.
No matter how well you maintain your car battery, you can’t always foresee when it may die. We are here to help with all your vehicle needs.
