Many drivers wonder how to make a car battery last long. There are actually plenty of great ways to extend the life of a car battery, including cleaning your battery and storing it in neutral temperatures.
Below, we provide several tips on extending the life of a car battery. Use these tips to ensure your battery lasts as long as possible.
Keep your car battery clean
As mentioned above, cleaning your car battery is a great way of extending its lifespan. Corrosion can sometimes occur around the nodes and clamps of your battery. You can easily remove the white powder caused by corrosion with a nonmetallic brush. Use a mixture of baking soda and water while brushing the clamps.
All this said, corrosion could mean that it’s time for a new battery.
Avoid frequent short trips
You can help your car maintain its battery power by driving for extended periods of time. In fact, a battery fully recharges after around eight hours of extended use. When driving short distances, on the other hand, your battery doesn’t get the chance to recharge.
Make sure to turn off all the lights
Almost everyone has accidentally left a car light on overnight, which often results in a dead battery. Before exiting your vehicle, make sure to turn off all lights. If you have to, place a small reminder on your dashboard.
Leave your electronics off if the engine isn’t on
Leaving a radio or the air conditioner on while your engine is off will quickly eat away at the battery. Avoid using any electronics unless your engine is on.
Avoid extreme temperatures
Extreme temperatures can be bad news for a battery. Hot temperatures could cause the fluid in your battery to evaporate, while colder temperatures can cause a battery to self-discharge. That’s why it’s best to store your battery in neutral temperatures.
Test and charge your battery
Most people have their car battery charged at some point before replacing it. Regular testing of your battery could help you determine when it’s the best time to charge your battery. Many auto shops and stores will charge your battery for you.
You may also want to invest in a portable battery charger. These convenient devices allow you to charge your battery whenever necessary. If you invest in a portable battery charger, it’s important to make sure you invest in a good one. Be sure to do your research on any battery charger you’re considering, as some don’t work as advertised.
Know when to get a new battery
On average, a car battery should last around four to six years, but this can vary based on many factors, including the type of vehicle you own as well as local weather conditions.
If you’re looking to extend the life of your car’s battery, be sure to use the tips provided above. Also, bring your vehicle in for regular checkups to ensure it’s running as smoothly as possible.
If you’re looking for top-quality vehicle maintenance and repairs at fair prices, you should visit Madison Muffler & Auto Repair.