How to Prolong the Life of Your Automotive Battery through Regular Use
How to Prolong the Life of Your Automotive Battery through Regular Use
Blog Article
Hi there. Caring properly for your battery is also essential if you want your car to stay in the game for a long time. The battery not only helps to start the car but also powers many things in and on it. Below are a few simple and useful advice you can follow to ensure that your car battery is healthy and lasts longer.
How to Keep Your Battery in Good Shape
Park In the Shade: When its hot outside, try to park your car in a garage or shady spot. The inside of a car can get very hot from the sun, and heat can cause your automotive battery to die faster than normal. Temperatures are kept low, and that helps the battery stay strong.
Turn Off the Lights: Remember to turn off the headlights and interior lights when leaving your car. A car battery can get drained very quickly if you leave your car lights turned on when it is switched off. It’s always good practice to make sure everything is off before you close the door.
Limit Electronics Use: Avoid using items such as cell phones or GPS devices when the car isn’t running. These devices can draw power from the battery, making it weaker. If you are forced to use them, turn your car on to help trickle charge the battery as you operate them.
Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Car Battery
Check Water Level: Inspect your battery's water level every few months. If you notice it’s low, you can add some distilled water to fill it up again. This helps prevent battery performance degradation. Always add water with the battery disconnected from the car.
Clean up the Battery: Ensure that your battery connections are clean and free from any dirt or corrosion. You can scrub the connections gently with an old toothbrush and a paste of baking soda mixed with water. This will help the battery operate better and last longer.
Check the battery voltage: Every few months, check the battery voltage. A voltage that’s too low could mean there’s an issue with the battery or the alternator. If you have no idea how to check it, you can always ask someone who knows cars for help.
Preventing Dead Batteries
Disconnect the Battery: Give it a long break: While you’re not planning on driving your car for a while, consider disconnecting the battery. This can also help keep it from draining when the vehicle is idle. This is great for when you’re out of town on vacation.
This Will Help: Remember to switch off everything, including your electronics and lamps before exiting the car. This will help to avoid draining your battery. It’s an easy fix that can save you a headache down the line.
Replace When Needed: If you start to see a pattern of your automotive battery dying or your car having trouble starting, don't wait too long to replace. Not only is getting a new battery much better sooner rather than later, because you can get the battery replaced before your old one dies (which could be especially costly in cold weather),
Tips for Driving to Keep Your Battery Healthy
Skip Short Trips: Avoid short journeys in your car. When you go for a short drive, there is not enough time to charge your battery properly. Still, if you can combine errands into one long trip, that’s better for the battery.
Long drives: If you need to go somewhere, try to drive for at least a half an hour. This allows your battery to charge a little while you're on the road. Long drives are good for the battery pack.
Smooth Driving: When on a highway, refrain from accelerating and decelerating quickly. Rapid acceleration, and frenetic braking, can put a huge amount of strain on your battery. When you drive a bit smoother, it will make your battery life last longer.
Check Your Battery Regularly
Test Twice a Year: You should be testing your battery every six months or so to make sure it’s in proper working order. This allows you to address any issues early on before they worsen.
Check During Maintenance: When you take your vehicle to the dealership or your local mechanic for its regular maintenance, request them also to inspect your battery. They can search for any signs of wear and tear or issues you may not pick up on.
GET IT CHECKED: If you have any doubts about your automotive battery, then get it checked without wasting any time. Better safe than sorry, as they say. Having an inspection can help you avoid getting stuck with a dead battery when you require your vehicle.
By following these simple tips, you can help keep your car battery in good health for as long as possible. Just don't forget that taking care of your battery is as important as taking care of your car. If you have any questions or need any assistance, you are always welcome to stop by TOKUSHIMA for a check-up. We’re here to help keep your car running smoothly.