A battery is one of the most important components of your car; Not only does it give power to the car’s electrical circuit, but it also helps the engine start. Batteries both charge and draw energy from the engine in order to power many aspects of your car. The average lifespan of car batteries is around 3 to 5 years, and when it comes to replacement, prices range from $80 up to $400, depending on the vehicle. Fortunately, there are few simple things you can do to maximise the life of your car battery – read on to find out more.
Inspect Your Battery Regularly
Inspecting your car battery can help detect cracks and damage before they turn into full battery leaks, saving you time and money in future. It can also help to keep your battery clean and properly connected in between battery replacements. A certified automotive professional can inspect your battery at your next service, however, between services you should do the below:
- Visually inspect the battery. Have a good like at it every now and then, if it appears very dusty, rusty, or you notice signs of corrosion or leaks, you should seek a professional opinion on whether it should be replaced.
- Turn your car on and off a couple of times. If at any of the times you have trouble starting the ignition or hear a ticking noise, you should pay close attention to the condition of your battery.
If you need advice about inspecting car batteries, Joondalup car owners can rely on the team at Car Care. We are here to help with all your automotive concerns. Book a service online or call our friendly staff today.
Minimise Heat Exposure
Extreme heat is detrimental to car batteries as it increases the rate of water evaporation from the cells – even in sealed top batteries. It’s important to do anything you can to reduce the battery being subjected to high temperatures. This could mean parking your vehicle in the shade on hot, sunny days, and keeping your vehicle garaged while not in use. If you live in a location with an extremely hot climate, ask a battery specialist about ways to improve insulation.
Keep Your Battery Terminals Clean
Keeping the terminals clean and free from grime and dirt build-up is a great way to extend the life of your car battery. A dirty battery is prone to corrosion, which will result in a much shorter lifespan. To keep the terminals keep, scrub the terminals with small, soft-bristled brush with a combination of baking soda and water. Rinse thoroughly and ensure you dry completely with a soft, clean cloth.
Ensure All Lights Are Off Before Exiting
Whilst many modern cars will sound an alert if you go to exit a vehicle with the headlights still on, many older cars do not. If you forget to turn off your car’s headlights, or even neglect to turn off an overhead driving light, the battery will keep sending power to your car until it’s totally drained of energy. Make sure all lights are off before you leave your car, or it will significantly reduce the life of your battery.
Don’t Leave Your Car Unused For Long Periods
It is essential that lead-acid car batteries are kept fully charged at all times for optimal performance. All lead-acid batteries will naturally lose charge over time (self-discharge). A flooded lead-acid battery will self-discharge at a rate of around 1% per day at room temperature, 0.25% per day at 10°C and 1.5% per day at 30°C. If your car sits unused for a period of longer than a week, it is recommended to start the engine very few days or connect a trickle charger to keep the battery in proper working condition.
Care for Your Car
Ensuring you look after your car with routine servicing is a simple way to make sure your battery’s lifespan can reach its full capacity. A qualified car care professional will service all the necessary components of your car, to ensure it continues to run well, extending the life of all parts, including the battery.
A flat battery almost always happens at the most inconvenient time, and with modern vehicles there is almost no warning signs that your battery might be on the way out. A few simple maintenance tips will help you get the most out of your car battery, but like all types of batteries, there will come a time when you need to replace it. The experts at Car Care Joondalup are proud to be your environmentally friendly, one stop automotive shop. From log book servicing to batteries, tyres, and aircon repairs, Joondalup locals can trust us for efficient and affordable service every time. Call 08 9300 9796 today.
