Prolonging Your Car Battery Life: 4 Simple Yet Effective Tips

A car is a complex machine made up of many components that work together to allow controlled movements. A major player in a car’s function is the car battery, which provides power to start the engine. 

Issues with the battery can lead to difficulties in starting the engine or unexpected breakdowns. Frustratingly, modern vehicles offer limited warning signs before a battery failure occurs, making it all the harder for a vehicle owner to prepare adequately. 

Most modern vehicles consist of lead-acid batteries, which, similar to the batteries in our phones and laptops, have a limited lifespan. This is why, over time they gradually lose their ability to hold sufficient charge to start the vehicle. 

The average life expectancy of a lead-acid battery is around 42 months. However, this timeframe may be reduced based on factors such as climate, journey lengths, and the efficiency of your car’s charging circuit. On the other hand, regular maintenance and healthy practices can stretch its lifespan.

To help you maintain the health of your car battery and prolong its life, we have listed four car battery maintenance tips. These effective tips will significantly reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns.

Let’s get started!

1. Clean Your Battery Regularly 

One important practice in car battery maintenance is cleaning the battery on a regular basis. After a period, the terminals of the battery may get corroded or covered with dirt or grime. 

When this happens, the terminals will not be able to transmit the current as strongly as they normally would. Low transmission of current means the engine is not receiving sufficient power to start the engine, resulting in reduced performance and shortened car battery life. 

To avoid this issue, scrub the terminals with a mixture of water and baking soda using a toothbrush. Once the dirt comes off, wipe off the mixture with tissue paper and then polish the terminals using a thin layer of petroleum jelly to avoid corrosion.

2. Avoid Taking Short Trips Too Often

Your car battery and the engine share a mutually beneficial relationship. The battery provides the initial electrical power needed to start the engine and the engine recharges the battery by generating electrical energy while your car is running. This exchange offers a continuous cycle of power, allowing the vehicle to function. 

The battery uses some of its energy to start the engine, which is supposed to be recharged when the car is running. However, the battery does not get sufficient time to recover this lost energy, when you only drive your car short distances. Due to this continuous pattern, the voltage starts reducing until it potentially reaches a point where it struggles to start.

Regular car battery maintenance, including longer drives and periodic checks from an authorised garage like In Town Automotive, is very important. We ensure optimal performance and are happy to explain methods to you, to extend the lifespan of your battery.

3. Don’t Keep Your Car Idle for a Long Time 

Letting your car sit idle for extended periods can adversely affect its battery’s health. Even when you are not using the car, the battery is still being used due to the consumption of power by various integrated electronic devices. When the car remains standing for a long period of time, it can lead to a state of deep discharge, reducing the battery’s capacity and overall lifespan.

To prevent ending up with a dead car battery, take your car for a drive every few days. This regular drive will make sure the alternator recharges the battery, extending its life. 

Additionally, if you will be keeping your car inactive for some time, use a maintenance charger to keep the battery charged. Regular attention to these essential car battery maintenance tips helps you keep the battery healthy and thriving for a long time.

4. Minimise Using the Battery Power When the Engine is Off

For a prolonged car battery life, it’s essential to minimise the use of battery power when the engine is not running. Car batteries thrive when they are maintained close to a 100% charge. Leaving car accessories like headlights or interior lights on while the engine is off is strongly discouraged to maintain the full charge level.

Before exiting your vehicle, make it a habit to ensure that all accessories are turned off, and double-check that the lights are switched off as you walk away. This simple practice not only conserves battery power but also contributes significantly to preserving its charge. Consequently, this car battery maintenance practice extends the battery’s overall lifespan, making sure that your car is always ready to start when you need it.

Visit In Town Automotive for Professional Car Battery Maintenance and Replacement

With these tips and tricks, you can keep your car battery healthy, prolonging its life. With a clear understanding of car battery maintenance, you will be able to handle minor issues and implement measures to keep it working efficiently. That being said, some problems are not easily identified at home and need the attention of a professional. 

Take your car to an experienced garage like In Town Automotive to conduct a thorough inspection and expert attention. We will diagnose any hidden issues, and provide solutions to keep your vehicle running smoothly. We also provide services for specific parts, including brakes, clutches, cambelts, air conditioning, and more.

To learn more about our services, visit our homepage or contact us to book an appointment today!