How to prolong the life of your car battery?

We don’t have to repeat that a car battery is one of the most important components in your car. If you have driven any current model, you know that almost everything is powered by the car battery. And that’s not to mention a host of safety systems and add-ons.

That’s why it’s very important to have a functioning car battery at all times and avoid being stranded and not being able to start your car. As such, you should know a couple of things on how to prolong the life of your car battery and how to maintain full capacity at all times.

Follow these few tips and be sure that your car will start every time.

5 Ways to Prolong Your Car Battery Life

1. Avoid short drives

If you can, try to avoid short trips since it will drain your car battery. Because during short drives, your car battery will provide the necessary energy for the car but will not have enough time to recharge itself.

Simply put, your car alternator will not transform revs into electricity. If your daily commute consists of only short trips and slow traffic, it won’t be good for your car.

You should take an hour every week to drive your car on the highway. This allows the alternator to recharge the battery fully, guaranteeing full capacity and a safe start.

2. Secure your battery

When you open the hood of your car, you’ll see the slot for your car battery. Ensure that the battery is secured firmly. While you drive, vibrations from the road could rattle the battery and even fall out. Which will damage the internals and circuits.

So, be sure that your battery is well tightened to its place.

3. Pay attention to corrosion

You may see that the battery terminals develop surface corrosion on them. That’s normal and you shouldn’t be alarmed.

But you should clean the corrosion on battery terminals as it will affect the flow of electricity and even cause a short circuit.

Therefore, it’s best to check the battery for any corrosion regularly. If there is, remove the battery and clean it with a brush or anti-corrosion spray to prolong its lifespan.

4. Switch off everything in your car

In modern vehicles, there are numerous lights or systems which can stay on after you turn off your car. All of these use electricity and you can have an unpleasant surprise in the morning when you find out that your battery has been drained.

That’s why it’s important to have everything turned off when you park your car. Be sure that the audio system is off and that all the doors are properly closed. If they aren’t, the light in the interior will be on all night and will drain your battery.

You should also pay attention to the glove box since it has a light inside and if it isn’t closed fully, the light will stay on.

Another way to prolong the life of your car battery is by driving with the radio and aircon off. These 2 components use up the most electricity, which drains the battery quicker.

5. Avoid long idles

Long idle periods will stress your car battery and drain it. When idling, the car and all of its systems will use power from the battery to operate. Also, the engine will not turn fast enough for the alternator to recharge the battery. That’s why you should avoid long idles and turn off unnecessary systems if you found yourself in this situation.

We know that traffic jams are a common thing in today’s traffic, so remember this next time you sit motionless in your car at some busy street.

Not sure if your car battery is still working? There are simple checks you can do!

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