How to Extend the Life of Your Car Battery through Regular Maintenance
A car’s battery is a vital support system and, in the best-case scenarios, will last for 3-5 years. However, too many drivers take this device for granted and treat it poorly. This lowers the lifespan and soon has them needing a new battery. Thankfully, there are things we can do to protect our car batteries and keep them running for longer.
What Shortens Car Battery Life?
A car battery lifespan can shorten considerably with the wrong habits in the wrong climate. Poor driving habits, especially those that lead to parasitic drainage, are a common problem. The same is true for ineffective maintenance. It doesn’t help in Florida that the lifespan is typically shorter in hotter weather.
What Is The Status Of Your Car Battery Right Now?
Test the battery’s output voltage with a battery tester to see how well it performs. The reading will give you a good indication of what to do next. You will find yourself in one of three camps.
A) It could be pretty efficient and reliable already, which suggests your doing things right.
B) It might be a bit weak and in need of some tweaks and maintenance to get it back up to speed.
C) It might be time to call it quits and replace it.
If you’re in Camp B, the following tips can help. They are also worth keeping in mind for those in Camp A as you can’t get too complacent, and there may be simple ideas you hadn’t considered.
How To Save Car Battery When Not In Use.
One of the biggest problems with car batteries is that drivers use them too much when there is no need to. They could save energy and protect the battery but are wasting it unnecessarily instead. Consider the following.
- Don’t let the car idle for long periods.
- Remember to turn off all the lights when exiting the car.
- Don’t use the charger for other devices while driving.
- Don’t have the radio, AC, or seat warmers running unnecessarily.
It is also advisable to limit frequent short trips. It is better to give the battery time to fully charge, run all your errands in one trip, and then switch everything off for the rest of the day. At the same time, you don’t want to leave the car dormant for too long either. Batteries can go dead when not used for a couple of weeks and may be weak when restarted.
Helping Maintenance Tips To Prolong Battery Life.
Changing your driving and energy-saving habits may not be enough alone to improve the lifespan of the battery. It also helps to perform some routine maintenance to increase the odds.
One simple tip is to check the battery is secured correctly. A loose battery can vibrate and cause internal issues, limiting the longevity of the device. This is more likely for those living out in areas with rougher tracks. Have someone check the mounting brackets and tighten them accordingly.
Cleaning the battery helps too. You might not have considered the benefits of this when cleaning your car, but this small extra task makes a difference. Cleaning the terminals prevents corrosion and improves the life of the battery. All you need is a paste of baking soda and water on a toothbrush. Scrub the terminals down, rinse the paste off with a spray bottle, dry them off with a clean cloth, and that’s it.
Replacing Worn Out Car Batteries And Auto Parts With Partsmax.
Hopefully, these tips mean that you can keep your battery running much longer and can wait maybe another year until replacing it. It all depends on how well you can adapt to these changes and the current status of your battery. Eventually, you will need to consider getting a replacement.
Partsmax Auto Parts and Accessories is the largest aftermarket auto parts warehouse in Florida and is on hand to help will all kinds of upgrades and replacements. South Florida residents can come in and see how we can get their cars in better condition, or you can check out our range online.
Don’t forget to stick with these tips with your new battery. Treat it right from the start, and it could be a reliable friend for many years.