Nothing is worse than being stranded with a flat battery for autos. We’ve all been there at some point in our lives, and the issue is frequently exacerbated by the fact that with modern vehicles.
There are frequently little to no warning signs displayed beforehand – and there’s approximately a 50% chance that it will happen when you’re out and about away from home.
But regardless of what conditions your car is subjected to, here are 7 tips you can consider to help get the very best out of your battery.
1. Avoid driving short trips often
Every time you start your automobile, your battery works hard, but the engine recharges it while driving. Thus, the battery won’t compensate for the lost power if you only drive a short distance. If you do this daily, the battery voltage will gradually drop until the car can no longer start.
Drive your automobile more often and for a longer period of time to preserve the battery. Consider purchasing a battery charger if you don’t use your car frequently to maintain the proper voltage.
2. Keep your battery tightly fastened
Your automobile battery’s lifespan might be shortened by vibration, so you must always use an authorized battery clamp to hold it firmly down. Excessive vibration could harm your battery’s internal components if not firmly fastened, leading to short circuits and shorter battery life.
But be careful not to harm the battery by overtightening the battery clamp nuts to reduce your strength! Instead, just continue to tighten the nuts until you begin to feel resistance, then do so for just one more half-turn.
3. Minimise power used while the engine is off
Keeping your headlights or interior lights on while the engine isn’t running is a big no-no because car batteries are happiest when they are kept close to 100% charge. Always turn off all accessories before leaving the car, and ensure the lights are out.
4. Keep your battery clean
Use Battery Cleaner Spray for debris-free. An unclean battery may discharge across the dirt on top of the case, resulting in a slight short circuit that will eventually flatten the battery.
The battery terminals will also corrode with time, so keeping them free of accumulation is important. This will help your automobile battery last longer. An old toothbrush dipped in water, and baking soda can be used to scrub the terminals. Then, thoroughly dry the mixture with a clean cloth after rinsing it off with a spray bottle filled with cold water.
5. Try to minimize heat exposure
Contrary to popular belief, automobile batteries do not perish in cold temperatures. While car batteries must work harder to start your engine in the winter, most car battery failures are caused by damage to the batteries received in the summer’s sweltering heat.
Even with sealed top batteries, intense heat damages batteries because it speeds up the rate at which water evaporates from the cells. The weaker battery’s flaws are exposed to the cold when lower temperatures deplete its residual cranking power when it tries to start cold engines with thick oil.
What can you then do? Whatever you can think of to lower the temperature the battery is exposed to. When feasible, park your car in the shade and keep it in the garage while not in use. You can also look into measures to protect the battery from heat produced in the engine compartment.
6. Check your battery’s voltage once a month
The longer a lead-acid battery is partially depleted, the shorter its life will be. As a result, monitoring the voltage with a voltmeter once a month is a wonderful way to keep track of your battery’s health. The voltage of a healthy, fully charged lead-acid battery should be 12.7 volts or above.
7. Don’t leave the car unused for long periods
Lead-acid automobile batteries always need to be completely charged to prevent harm, as you may have noted in some of the items above. All lead-acid batteries inherently lose charge over time, a process known as “self-discharge,” regardless of the brand.
8. Get your car serviced regularly
Examining your automobile battery professionally is advisable to avoid a sudden breakdown. Ask the mechanic to ensure your battery is functioning properly and in good condition when you take your car for service.
9. Keep your battery tightly fastened
Unsafely secured batteries may vibrate, causing short circuits and interior damage. Check your battery terminal frequently to ensure it is firmly fastened in the mounting bracket, especially if you frequently drive on uneven roads.
10. Turn off all lights when you get out of the vehicle
If you unintentionally leave your interior or headlights on, your car battery may become discharged. If you don’t remember, you can put a reminder on your dashboard or park, so you have to cross your headlights to reach where you’re going.
11. Control the corrosion
Your car battery’s lifespan may increase if battery terminals are free of corrosive buildup. With a cloth or toothbrush immersed in a baking soda and water solution, corrosion can be removed. Finally, use a spray bottle filled with cold water to rinse the mixture thoroughly. Dry completely with a fresh cloth.
Final Verdict
Lead-acid automobile batteries have a finite lifespan and eventually lose the ability to hold a sufficient charge to start your car, just like the battery in your phone or laptop.
A Car Battery Cleaning Kit Typically has a lifespan of 42 months. However, this period will vary based on several factors, including the temperature, the trip length, and the charging system’s efficiency in your car.
