Content
Introduction
Reasons for battery failure
Maintenance of the Battery of your car
How to extend the life of your car battery?
Choose the right kind of battery
Remove unnecessary items
Clean your battery periodically
Check and clean the wire contacts
Service the battery timely
Avoid short rides
Make sure the battery is tightly fitted
Switch off all the lights before leaving the car
Frequently test your battery
Stop using Electronics When The Car Is Idle
Bonus point
Wrap Up
10 Useful Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Car Battery
The battery is an important part of the electrical system of your car.
So many functions of your car are dependent on the battery such as ignition, sensors, power windows, and so on.
If it is discharged or does not work for some other reason, the car will have problems in starting, effective driving and in running electronic and electrical parts of your car.
These days most cars have maintenance-free batteries installed, and many owners do not know the rules for the selection and correct operation of the battery. Therefore, there are times when a new battery refuses to turn the engine on after a week. Proper maintenance will help extend the life of your battery, which will significantly reduce your maintenance costs in the long term.
but first, let’s talk about…
Reasons for battery failure
If the battery is simply discharged, It is enough to remove it from the car and charge it. Once it is completely charged it can be used again. But there are reasons that lead to the complete failure of the battery:
- Sinking of the active part of the chain due to age or improper operation.
- Short circuit of one of the cans due to high loads, factory defects or freezing of the electrolyte.
- Damage to the case due to mechanical stress, freezing, or an initial defect.
- Open circuit due to high loads, damage, or other factors.
If at least one of these failures is spotted, the battery cannot be repaired. It just needs to be replaced.
Maintenance of the Battery of your car
The average life of a car battery is 3-4 years, but with proper maintenance, it can be significantly extended. It is important to understand that there is no point in trying to do something when problems have already arisen with the battery.
These points are to be considered immediately after purchase and installation or when the battery is in good condition.
One of the most important factors that affect how long a car battery will last is the weather. A running engine under the hood is already producing high levels of heat. Throw in a scorching hot day and you have a severe drain on your car battery, which can lead to an increased chance of a dead battery if you don’t take proper summer driving precautions.
Warm weather can cause fluid in car batteries to evaporate, damaging the internal structure of the battery. That’s why average battery life is shorter in warmer climates. So when estimating how long your car battery life will last, consider the climate you will do most of your driving in.
Regardless of the temperature you drive in, properly taking care of your car battery can help keep it running.
Let’s dive deeper.
How to extend the life of your car battery?
1. Choose the right kind of battery
Its starts here. Choose the right kind of battery which is also a good quality one.
When choosing a new battery, pay attention to its characteristics: capacity, initial current, size. These parameters are specified in the vehicle documentation.
Before buying the battery, you need to look at the release date, the fresher the battery, the longer it will last.
Check the tightness of the case, in case of any leaks; you need to refuse the purchase, no matter how attractive the price will be. The current leads and the handle must also be new.
2. Remove unnecessary items
When sold, the battery is packed in cellophane; other materials may be used. Before installation, be sure to remove all these, do the same with the protective caps.
For example, the remaining polyethylene accumulates excess moisture and dirt, this leads to an accelerated self-discharge of the battery.
3. Clean your battery periodically
During active operation, the battery gets dust, dirt, and conductive liquids. As a result, a layer is formed that promotes its self-discharge. This is especially noticeable when it is removed from the car and still discharges quickly.
To prevent this from happening, the battery must be periodically wiped with a solution of ordinary baking soda, which neutralizes acid particles on its surface.
Battery terminals corrode over time but keeping them clean from buildup is a great way to extend the life of your car battery.
Scrub the terminals with a toothbrush dipped in a baking soda and water mixture. Then, using a spray bottle with cold water, rinse the mixture off and follow up with a thorough drying with a clean cloth.
4. Check and clean the wire contacts
To prolong the life of the machine’s battery, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the current-carrying contacts.
Therefore, they need to be periodically cleaned so that there is no need to overcome unnecessary resistance. For this, a metal brush, sandpaper, or a special scraper is suitable and can be used.
And while you are up and ready for cleaning the wire contacts, why not clean other parts as well:
5. Service the battery timely
Battery maintenance refers to periodic recharging and topping up with distilled water. This should be done annually in spring and autumn, after a strong discharge, generator breakdown, and before long trips.
The density of the electrolyte is used at room temperature around 20 ° C. If it is below 1.27 g / cm³, an urgent recharge is required. When adding distilled water, you need to be careful so that no dirt or dust gets into it.
It is important to know that replacing the electrolyte will not in any way affect the increase in battery life. The electrolyte can only be added when filling a dry-charged battery or in cases where it has spilled as a result of some manipulation.
6. Avoid short rides
Turning on and off the battery too fast and quickly doesn’t let your battery charge completely.
If you want to maintain the car’s battery, go on longer rides and avoid short rides.
By the way, if you avoid taking out your car often, you should probably invest in a portable car battery charger. It will help you jump-start your car on the days when it’s completely drained.
Also, see what all other essentials you need to always carry in your car:
7. Make sure the battery is tightly fitted
As your engine starts, there are vibrations throughout the car. These vibrations affect the battery too. If your car battery is not tightly held, There can be damage and short circuits.
If you drive off roads, make sure you check the terminal often.
8. Switch off all the lights before leaving the car
Leaving the electronic appliances, especially lights in your car open, when you aren’t using them, is going to affect the battery by a considerable amount 😬. This includes keeping the headlights, fog lights, car door lights.
Latest cars are equipped with technology that automatically turns off the lights when they’re not in use. But it is always recommended to keep a check.
Hey! If you forget it too often, you can always have a post-it note on your dashboard.
9. Frequently test your battery
Keep a regular check of the condition of your car’s battery. It is recommended that you purchase a car battery tester. This will help you in monitoring the output voltage of your car’s battery and assist you in maintenance.
10. Stop using Electronics When The Car Is Idle
Turn off functions like the radio or air conditioner when your engine isn’t running to put less wear and tear on your battery power.
Keeping your stereo system and air condition when your car is idle puts a lot of strain on the car’s battery. It leads to the quick discharge of the battery and could wear it off in the long term. The impact of longer idle times on the battery is also negative.
Bonus point to Consider: Check for Warranty
When buying a car battery, always check for a manufacturer’s warranty. If the cause of the failure is a factory defect, most often it is a closure of the can, an open circuit, an electrolyte leak from under the cover – the battery must be replaced or repaired. Although it is important that your car battery must not have any traces of intentional damages and other points which are mentioned in the terms of the warranty.
Wrap Up
Here’s a quick recap of things you should consider to extend the life of your car’s battery:
1. Choose the right kind of battery
2. Remove unnecessary items
3. Clean your battery periodically
4. Check and clean the wire contacts
5. Service the battery timely
6. Avoid short rides
7. Make sure the battery is tightly fitted
8. Switch off all the lights before leaving the car
9. Frequently test your battery
10. Stop using Electronics When The Car Is Idle
So, Avoid putting strain on your car’s battery unnecessarily and enjoy the extended lifespan of your car’s battery. We hope this article will help you.
Read in detail about Auto Parts: The Ultimate Guide to Car Spare Parts
Where can you find a genuine or aftermarket battery for your car in Dubai?
The relevant batteries are available at different suppliers and dealers of auto spare parts in Dubai.
Noorhan is amongst the leading brands that deal with genuine auto spare parts and aftermarket parts for different car brands, including Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Jeep, Ford, and other Japanese and European brands.
If you’re looking to buy a new battery for your car in Dubai, Noorhan can help you.
