A car’s battery is vital when it comes to starting the engine and powering all the electrical components. Unfortunately, batteries eventually fail over time. Luckily, there are simple steps drivers can take to extend battery life and avoid unexpected failure while out on the road.
Check Battery Terminals and Cables
Corroded and loose battery terminals are a major cause of battery problems. To that end, you can use a wire brush to clean corrosion off the positive and negative battery terminals. Make sure cable connections are tight. Wiggling cables indicate loose clamps. Tightening connections helps deliver maximum electrical current for charging.
Test The Battery
The experts over at Clore Automotive tell us that probably the best way to check a battery’s charge is by using a car battery tester. Just clamp the device onto the respective terminals and it will assess whether the battery needs to be recharged or replaced. This allows drivers to address power issues before they attempt to start the car.
Recharge The Battery
Letting a battery drain too low damages its charge capacity. Using electrical accessories without the engine running is a common culprit. Recharging low batteries about once a month extends their overall lifespan by preventing permanent cell damage over time. Consider a trickle charger for cars driven infrequently.
Check The Alternator Belt
The alternator recharges a car’s battery while driving. If its belt becomes loose or damaged, it cannot properly supply current. Listen for squealing noises under the hood. Inspect belts for cracking and glazing. Replace worn belts so the alternator can maintain optimal charging.
Do Not Drain Completely
Never allow a lead-acid car battery to fully lose its charge. Extreme draining causes irreversible lead sulfate crystal buildup inside the cells. Always start the engine and take a short drive if unable to start a vehicle for more than a week. Connecting a maintainer is wise for longer storage periods.Â
Park Out of Extreme Temperatures
Battery fluid evaporates faster when exposed to high heat or severe cold. This damages internal components over time. Minimize parking in direct sun whenever possible. Use a windshield shade screen on hot days. Also avoid leaving cars sitting through winter nights outdoors if able to put them in a garage instead. Maintaining moderate under hood temperatures extends battery life.
Disconnect When Storing Long-Term
Even a fully charged battery will slowly self-discharge when a car sits idle for weeks or months. The parasitic draw from electronics makes matters worse. Disconnecting the negative battery cable completely eliminates this issue. Just do not forget to reconnect it before attempting to start the engine later on. Removing corrosion buildup ensures a clean source of power.
Do Not Overcharge
While batteries need sufficient charging to avoid failure, overcharging shortens their lifespan as well. Signs include excessive gassing/bubbling and uncomfortably hot cases after recharging completes. High-quality smart chargers automatically stop when full to prevent this damage. Only recharge when voltage tests low or vehicles will not start.
Check Age and Warranty
Most standard car batteries last 3-5 years before needing replacement. High temperatures, frequent short trips, and extreme usage shorten lifespan. Write the installation date on a new battery with a marker for reference. Also register new batteries online to take advantage of any extended pro-rated warranties offered.Â
Conclusion
Taking simple preventative steps allows drivers to avoid the hassle of unexpected car battery failure. Regularly checking connections, testing voltage, recharging when low, and disconnecting during long-term storage goes a long way. Being mindful of temperature extremes and overcharging helps as well. With proper care, a standard car battery can remain reliably functional for years down the road. Implementing these battery best practices provides powered-up peace of mind for worry-free driving adventures ahead.
