It is crucial to track your car battery life if you want to avoid sudden vehicle breakdowns due to a discharged battery. A car’s engine generates a lot of heat, which can affect your car battery’s performance. Additionally, if your vehicle is idle for an extended period of time or if you are living in Canadian cold weather, the battery may lose its charge. Thus, follow the below hacks to keep your car battery in good shape and learn how to increase your car battery life.
In this article:
- Cleaning The Battery
- Keep The Car Running
- Reduce Heat Exposure
- Checking The Battery Voltage
- Adding Distilled Water
- Minimising Battery Usage
- Keeping The Battery Insulated
- Get A Trickle Charger
- Schedule Regular Maintenance For Your Car
1 Why Car Battery Dies?
It’s important to know the battery life cycle because premature battery failure can be problematic. A battery can fail to perform efficiently because of several factors. The most significant among them are reckless use, harsh weather conditions, and no maintenance. It’s crucial to find and fix the underlying source of the problem. We have listed all possible causes of battery failure and their solutions.
Cleaning The Battery
Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the battery’s surface, which might make it overheat or drain more quickly than usual. Regular battery cleaning is crucial to avoid such a situation. Use a brush or a soft cloth to clean the battery’s surface. Be mindful to avoid damaging the battery’s components or scratching the battery. This will help your battery last longer and prevent the trouble of a dead battery. Dust causes the battery charge to deplete as it can cause the battery to generate more heat. Additionally, it can result in a short circuit, which would kill the battery. Periodic cleaning of the battery connections helps prevent corrosion. This will enhance car battery health.
Keep The Car Running
You can keep your car battery in good condition by charging it frequently. If left idle for a long time, its power and efficiency deplete. Thus, to avoid this, you should start your automobile and take a drive at least once every week. Running it gives your alternator time to recharge the battery.
Pro Tip: It is suggested that you should drive your vehicle once or twice every couple of weeks for 15-20 minutes to keep the battery intact.
Reduce Heat Exposure
Heat exposure can shorten the car battery life by causing the distilled water inside to evaporate. Additionally, the car’s engine generates heat while driving which not properly disposed of can damage the car battery. The danger of heat exposure naturally rises during the summer. Thus, try to park your vehicle in a garage or under a tree to help reduce heat exposure.
Checking The Battery Voltage
If you want to avoid vehicle breakdowns caused by a discharged battery, you should test the voltage of your car battery on a regular basis. Using a voltmeter to check the voltage of your battery is the simplest method. For the most accurate reading, perform the voltage test at least twelve hours after turning off your car. A fully charged battery will read between 12.4 and 12.8 volts. You should get your battery inspected by a mechanic if your voltage reading falls outside of these ranges.
Adding Distilled Water
Distilled water is necessary for car batteries to operate properly, especially for absorbing engine heat. Adding distilled water to your car battery reduces the excessive engine heat and improves car battery health. Thus, it is important to monitor the distilled water levels of your vehicle’s battery.
Minimising Battery Usage
It is an excellent habit to check your electronics before exiting the vehicle. Before getting out of the car or when the engine is not running, turn off the lights and audio system. As they can drain the battery, make sure all lights, wipers, heaters, and electronic systems are completely turned off.
Keeping The Battery Insulated
Use an insulated covering for your car battery to protect your vehicle from harsh temperatures. A car battery insulation kit protects your car battery keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This will help enhance your car battery life and improve your vehicle performance.
Pro Tip: Either park your vehicle under the roof or in the garage. If not, use a battery blanket to keep your battery safe.
Get A Trickle Charger
A trickle charger is a car battery charger designed to recharge a battery slowly over time. It gradually adds charge to the battery and prevents the depletion of charge that batteries experience. Some trickle chargers can be used on a battery indefinitely. You can install them on your vehicle if you do not drive them often. It prevents the battery from running down from inactivity and increases car battery health.
Schedule Regular Maintenance For Your Car
Your car’s battery provides the required power for starting your vehicle. Don’t forget to bring your car in for regular tune-ups and inspections. Your car battery’s charge may be harmed by a poor engine stressing it. Additionally, a poorly maintained battery can fail far more quickly. It is advisable to get your car battery examined by a professional to reduce the possibility of a sudden breakdown and enhance your car battery life. Ask a mechanic to ensure that your car’s battery is functioning properly and in good condition when you take your car in for a service.
Summing up, it is essential to follow the required car battery maintenance steps mentioned in this article if you want to extend your car battery service life. Keep the car battery charged, and track the battery performance at regular intervals. Always put safety first, and if you have problems with your car’s battery or electrical system, get professional assistance. With frequent care and attention, you can keep your car battery in great shape and enjoy a safe and efficient driving experience.
