How to Extend Your Car Battery Life
August 2nd, 2020 by Fix Auto USA
Your car battery plays a crucial role in your vehicle’s performance. Although you may dedicate significant time and energy to keep your car running, you may be unaware that there are things you can do to prolong your vehicle’s battery life.
How to Improve Car Battery Life
In terms of how to extend your car battery life, there are many things you can do, such as:
1. Avoid Short, Frequent Car Trips
Your car’s engine recharges the battery as you’re driving. So, if you take short trips, the engine won’t have sufficient time to recharge the battery. On the other hand, if you choose long, periodic trips over short, frequent ones, you may boost your battery’s performance.
2. Ensure Your Battery Is Properly Fastened
Your car vibrates as you drive. If your battery is not properly fastened in place, the vibrations you experience when you’re behind the wheel could damage the battery. In severe instances, these vibrations may damage your battery’s internal components, which could lead to short circuits that limit the battery’s life. If you take your car to a certified mechanic, you can ensure your vehicle’s battery is properly fastened. The result: your car’s battery will be less susceptible to damage caused by vibrations.
3. Double-Check the Headlights Before You Exit Your Car
Your car’s battery powers the headlights, which are necessary if you travel at night or in inclement weather conditions. However, if you forget to turn off the headlights when you exit your car, you’ll unknowingly drain your vehicle’s battery. Double-check the headlights before you exit your car; doing so takes only a few seconds, and it eliminates the risk that your headlights will remain on long after you park your vehicle.
4. Limit Heat Exposure
Extreme heat can increase the rate in which water evaporates from your car battery’s cells, which may eventually cause the battery’s performance to deteriorate. To alleviate this issue, park your car in the shade whenever possible. This helps keep your car battery cool, even in hot weather.
5. Drive Your Car Regularly
Your car battery will lose its charge if you do not drive your vehicle regularly. Therefore, you should try to drive your car at least once every few weeks to keep your battery in top shape. If you intend to go on vacation or leave your car unattended for several weeks or months, it may be beneficial to ask a family member or friend to start the engine periodically. You may also want to have a certified mechanic temporarily remove your battery from your car; in this instance, you should store your battery in a cold, dry location that is out of reach from pets and children.
Why Is Car Battery Maintenance Important?
If you want to get the best results from your car battery, you must maintain it. The average lifespan of a car battery ranges from four to six years, depending on the type of battery, how often you drive your vehicle, and other factors. Yet, if you know the ins and outs of car battery maintenance, you can maximize your battery’s lifespan. You can also minimize the risk of your car battery running out of power while you’re driving.
For car owners who are uncertain about the status of their battery, it may be beneficial to meet with a certified mechanic. This allows a mechanic to test your car battery and see how well it is currently performing. The mechanic can provide tips and recommendations on how to extend your car battery life, too.
Along with car battery maintenance, you may want to explore ways to correct dents, dings, and other exterior damage to your car. By partnering with Fix Auto, you can receive extensive dent repairs and other auto body repairs at your convenience. To learn more or to request an appointment, please contact us online or call us today at 800.INFO.FIX.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Oceanside, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing northern San Diego County.
