7 Top Tips to Extend the Life of Your Car Battery
Fri, 23 Feb 2024You've got to admit, your car's heart beats with the rhythm of a healthy battery. It powers everything from the starter motor to the lights and infotainment system. But, like any other part, it needs proper care to keep you moving. Why? Who wants to deal with jump-starting their car on a chilly morning or the dreaded click of a dying battery? Definitely not you, right?
To help you avoid these situations, here are seven easy-to-follow tips that will significantly prevent costly car battery replacement and extend its lifespan.
Let's get started!
- Avoid Short Trips
When you're driving around town, try to avoid those quick, short trips. Even if you've got a top-notch battery, these short drives don't give it enough time to fully charge up. See, every time you start your car, it needs a jolt of energy from the battery. But if you're only driving a short distance, like running to the store and back, the battery needs to get a chance to recharge fully. Over time, this can wear out your battery faster and shorten its lifespan, so try to combine errands or take longer drives to give your battery the recharge it needs.
- Minimize Power Drain When Parked
When you leave things like dome lights, interior lights, or phone chargers plugged in while your car is parked, they can slowly drain your battery, especially if it sits idle for a long time. It's best to minimize this drain or, even better, avoid it altogether unless it's absolutely necessary or you're in a situation where you need the lights or to charge your phone with no other options available.
- Keep It Clean and Corrosion-Free
As time passes, the terminals of your battery may develop a white, crusty buildup known as corrosion. This build-up can interfere with the flow of electricity and make it harder for your car to start. To prevent this issue, it's important to clean the terminals and the area around them regularly. You can do this by using a mixture of baking soda and water, which helps to dissolve the corrosion and ensure that the terminals make a good connection.
By keeping your battery clean and corrosion-free, you can help prolong its lifespan and ensure that your car starts smoothly every time you turn the key.
- Secure the Connection
Loose battery terminals can be problematic. Vibrations from driving can loosen them over time, disrupting the flow of electricity and potentially causing damage. To avoid this, it's important to regularly inspect the terminals and tighten them using the correct wrench size.
By keeping them securely fastened, you can prevent electrical issues and maintain your car's performance. Remember to check them periodically, especially after long drives or when you notice any signs of corrosion. Taking these simple steps can go a long way in ensuring your car's battery remains reliable, and your journeys are smooth.
- Keep it out of the Sun (Strategically)
In Perth, where summers get really hot, it's super important to keep your car battery safe from too much heat. Parking in shaded spots can help keep it cool and prevent overheating. But make sure it's not too much shade, especially in winter when it's freezing, as that can make your battery work less efficiently.
By being smart about where you park, you can make sure your battery stays in good shape and lasts longer in Perth's ever-changing weather. Checking these things regularly helps keep your battery ready for all your driving adventures.
- Don't Let It Sit Idle
If you know your car will be sitting unused for extended periods, it's a good idea to take some proactive steps to keep your battery healthy. One option is to use a battery charger to maintain its charge while it's sitting idle. This can help ensure that it's ready to go when you need it without losing power over time.
Another approach is to take your car for a short drive every couple of weeks, even if you don't have anywhere specific to go. This gives the alternator a chance to recharge the battery while the engine is running, preventing it from becoming completely discharged.
Both of these methods can help extend the life of your battery and reduce the likelihood of encountering problems when you do need to use your car. So, whether you choose to use a battery charger or take short drives, taking proactive steps to care for your battery can pay off in the long run.
- Regular Check-Ups are Key
Keep an eye on your car battery's health by scheduling regular check-ups with a mechanic or someone who knows about car batteries. This is especially crucial before winter hits because cold weather can make it harder for batteries to work properly. It's also a good idea to get a check-up before you go on a long trip, just to make sure everything is in good shape and you won't run into any unexpected problems along the way.
During these check-ups, a mechanic will check the voltage of your battery and make sure it's still in good condition. They can also give you advice on how to keep your battery healthy and make it last as long as possible. So, don't wait until you have a problem – schedule a check-up for your battery today and keep your car running smoothly for longer.
Final Words
By incorporating these simple tips into your routine, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your car battery, avoid unexpected breakdowns, and ensure smooth, worry-free journeys. Remember, a little preventative care goes a long way in keeping your car running strong!
At "Batteries (WA) Pty Ltd," we're your go-to source for top-notch car batteries in the automotive and marine sectors. With strong connections to leading brands like AC Delco, Titan, and Optima, among others, we offer a diverse range of quality products to suit various needs.
Beyond Batteries
- We offer affordable in-store car battery replacement services. Our team is licensed and accredited to handle various car batteries and other products.
- In addition to car batteries, we offer a range of other products, including golf cart batteries, light truck batteries, AGM deep cycle batteries, and motorcycle batteries.
For all your battery needs, visit our website at Batteries WA and get in touch with us for a quote through our contact page.
