Your car battery is a vital part of your vehicle. From starting your car to charging your phone on the go, your battery provides the power your vehicle needs to keep moving. That’s why it’s so important to know the basic tips to extend battery life and when to replace your car battery and what you can do to extend its lifespan.
What causes a car battery to fail?
A variety of factors can cause a car battery to fail, from external factors like heat or cold to the battery’s internal conditions.
Extreme cold or heat:
Cold weather slows down the chemical reactions that create a charge in your battery. This is why batteries are often empty on cold mornings. However, high temperatures can speed up chemical reactions and promote internal corrosion, shortening the battery’s lifespan.
Battery drain:
When the vehicle is turned off, anything that draws power from the battery can drain the battery. Examples include charging a cell phone, using on-board electronics, or leaving the interior lights on. Problems with the vehicle’s electrical system can also lead to a discharged battery.
Corrosion:
Corrosion in the battery connections can affect the battery’s ability to charge. Corrosion can damage the terminals that connect the battery to the car, affecting the electrical connection.
Age:
All batteries eventually reach the end of their life (average 3-5 years) and their performance will decrease. If this is the case, installing a new battery may be a good option.
Vibration:
Damage to the inside of the battery from strong vibrations can shorten the battery’s lifespan. The most common causes are large potholes, long-distance travel on rough roads, and going over speed bumps too quickly.
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How long does a car battery last?
The mean lifespan of a car battery is 3 to 5 years. One of the most important factors that affect the lifespan of a car battery is the weather. With an engine running under the hood, a lot of heat is already generated. Scorching hot days put a lot of strain on a car battery, and a dead battery is more likely if proper precautions are not taken when driving in the summer.
In warm weather, the fluid in your car battery can evaporate and damage the battery’s internal structure. This can result in a shorter average battery life in warm climates. Therefore, when estimating the life of your car battery, consider the climate in which you spend most of your time driving.
Regardless of the temperature in which you drive, properly caring for your car battery will help maintain its performance.
Basic Tips to Extend Car Battery Life
Read these 8 tips to extend car battery life.
Test your battery
If you want to maximize the lifespan of your car battery, it’s important to know the condition of your battery. Using a car battery tester allows you to monitor the condition of your battery and determine when it’s time for a new battery.
Keep your battery at a neutral temperature
If possible, avoid driving or storing your car in extremely hot or cold environments as this can shorten the lifespan of your battery.
Make sure the battery is securely fastened.
The battery must be securely fastened to prevent vibrations that may cause internal damage. Check your car battery regularly to make sure it is safe.
Use a Battery Charger
If you won’t be driving your car during the winter, a battery charger can keep your battery charged. It monitors the voltage and maintains the correct charge level.
Prevent Corrosion
To keep your battery in good condition, keep it clean. To prevent corrosion (or remove existing stains), scrub the terminals with a toothbrush dipped in baking soda and water. Take proper precautions and wear protective equipment when cleaning a car battery.
Turn Off the Lights
Leaving your headlights or car door lights on can put a lot of strain on your car battery. Be sure to turn them off before leaving your vehicle.
Take Long Trips
Driving your car frequently and for long periods helps maintain the health of your battery. A car battery can be recharged over long distances, but not over short distances. Consider purchasing a portable jump starter to jump-start your car’s battery without the need for another vehicle if you get stranded.
Take care of your whole car
By regularly servicing your car and storing it properly, you can easily ensure that your battery lasts its entire life. The battery is just one of the components of your car that works properly. So, make sure you properly maintain all the parts of your car to extend their lifespan and that of your battery.
No matter how well you maintain your car battery, you can’t always predict when it will die.
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