The battery is the life force of your car. It’s the power behind turning your car on and many other essential functions. It’s important to take care of your battery, so that you can get the most out of your vehicle. The average car battery lasts between two and five years, but by implementing some simple strategies, you can hopefully extend its lifespan. Here are some tips to make your car battery last.
Limit Short Trips
Turning on your car and driving it a mile down the road doesn’t give the battery enough time to charge fully. You’re better off leaving your car on for long periods of time and driving it frequently.
Double Check Your Lights
Making sure that every light is turned off in your car before you exit it can save you the headache of a dead battery later on. If you frequently drive at night, get in the habit of looking back at your car before you go inside to make sure everything turns off. No one likes waking up to a dead car battery first thing in the morning due to a cabin light or headlights left on overnight!
Tighten Your Battery
A loose battery can vibrate when the car is running, causing internal damage and short circuits. Have a trained technician check your battery to make sure it’s correctly installed and tightened.
Check for Corrosion
Corrosion can significantly shorten the life of your battery. Check the battery often for signs of corrosion and use a small brush to remove it and wipe it off with a cloth gently.
Don’t Idle
Leaving your car idling can put a lot of wear on your battery. So unless it’s absolutely necessary to leave your car running, turn it off. Using electronics while idling can also drain your battery.
Using these simple tips will help you get the most life out of your car battery. Be sure to have a trained technician inspect your battery any time you have your car serviced.