In order for your vehicle to run properly, it must have a well-functioning battery. Car batteries usually last for around three to five years. If you find yourself replacing it more than once in a short time span, then you’re probably killing it before it’s time.
If your battery dies prematurely, you might not be using it properly. Fortunately, this can be avoided with a little care and know-how. Here is how you can make your vehicle’s battery last longer:
1. Avoid Driving Short Distances
Not everyone is aware of this small detail but driving your car for a short distance can actually be harmful to your car’s battery. When you drive short distances, the battery doesn’t recharge fully as the motor doesn’t reach the optimal operating temperature. Insufficient heat levels can prevent the oil from properly lubricating the components of the engine.
If you’ve been making short trips in your car constantly, it’s better to plan a longer journey every once in a while so the car battery can recharge properly. It roughly takes around 30 to 40 minutes for the engine to provide a meaningful charge to the battery.
2. Keep Your Battery Clean
Make sure that your car’s battery does not accumulate dust and gunk. If you want it to last long, it should be dry, clean, and free of any grime. When your battery gets dirty, the grime on top can let electricity flow through it, which can result in a small short circuit and drain the battery until it’s dead.
Moreover, the battery terminals of a dirty battery tend to corrode faster. This can cause the battery to drain, shortening its lifespan. So, make sure to clean your car’s battery every month.
3. Check for Parasitic Drains
Some batteries continue to draw current even when the engine is not running. This is called a parasitic drain. This could be caused due to malfunctioning accessories or damaged wiring.
One easy way to check for a parasitic drain is to use a multimeter to check the current draw when the engine is turned off. If the draw is more than expected, it’s best to consult a professional such as a mobile diesel repair service to get the issue dealt with promptly.
4. Check for a Bad Starter
Faulty starters are culprits for putting extra strain on your vehicle’s battery. If you notice your vehicle making whirring noises or not starting properly, it’s probably because there’s an issue with the starter. You should get this issue dealt with promptly if you don’t want to end up stranded due to the engine not turning on. If you suspect this issue, consult a reliable vehicle starter repair specialist to diagnose and fix the issue.
5. Maintain the Battery’s Water Level
It is important to maintain distilled water levels in your car’s battery, especially if it’s a lead acid battery. Make sure to check your car battery’s water levels, especially in hot summer months. If your car’s battery is new, you can check the water level once or twice every three months. However, if it is older than a year, it’s recommended to check it every week.
