There is nothing worse than having your car battery die at the most inconvenient time, such as while you are in a hurry or on a hot summer day. The good news is there are precautions you can take to reduce the risk of your car battery dying. This review discusses why car batteries die early, proven ways to reduce the risk of a dead car battery earlier than anticipated, and how long you can expect your battery to last.
What are the causes of a dead battery?
There are a range of dead battery causes. By learning more about the causes, you can extend the life of your battery. The most notable causes of a dead battery (besides age) are headlights that are left on, too much battery drainage from electrical devices, loose or corroded battery connections, extreme temperatures, short drives that do not allow the alternator and battery to recharge and problems with the alternator. Of course, age is also a factor, and most car batteries are expected to last between three and five years.
8 tips to keep your car battery from dying
Car batteries can last for five years or more in some instances when they are adequately cared for. You can get the most out of your car battery by keeping it as clean as possible, preventing it from overheating, driving regularly, using a battery charger, and limiting the use of electrical outlets (and other electrical devices) in your car. The following is a closer look at each tip on how to keep your car battery from dying too soon.
Keep your car battery as clean as possible
It is important to prevent dirt and grease build-up on your car battery. Otherwise, the dirt and grease can insulate the battery and cause overheating leading to a dead battery earlier than you anticipated. The good news is keeping your car battery clean is easy. By regularly wiping it down with a paper towel or rag, you can remove the dirt and grease. For further cleaning, you can occasionally wash the terminals with a toothbrush dipped in baking soda and a water mixture.
Keep your car battery from overheating
Overheating is the number one cause of a car battery that dies too soon; needless to say, many car batteries die in the summertime due to overheating. The easiest fix to this is to park in a shaded area whenever possible, which can keep your car’s interior nice and cool (and prevent early fading of your seats) as well. If you are forced to park in an area that does not offer shade, then limit how much time you spend there before you use your vehicle again or move it to a shaded area.
Keep your car battery from getting too cold
Car batteries do not like cold weather, either. Cold temperatures (winter weather) puts excess stress on your battery and can lead to slow reaction times and trouble starting the engine. In most cases, this does not kill your car battery, but it can make it more challenging to start. Therefore, on colder days especially, park in an area that is more climate controlled, if possible, such as a garage.
Drive your car every three or four days
Another main cause of a dead car battery is the lack of regular use. In addition, driving short distances or simply idling your car could kill your car battery as well. This is because the car battery recovers while the car is being driven. The alternator needs time to recover after the car has started. So, constantly starting and stopping your car battery could lead to it dying early than anticipated. The best way to prevent this is to drive your car once or twice a week at a minimum. This may involve choosing one car over another at certain times to ensure none of your cars sit idle.
Invest in a car battery charger
If your car battery is going to sit without being driven for an extended amount of time, such as if you are going on vacation, then a car battery charger can help prevent the car battery from dying. However, be sure to choose your car battery wisely. A fast charger could cause overheating once the battery is full. Instead, we recommend a trickle charger. This slowly charges your car battery rather than all at once. Not to mention, it does not cause any damage once the battery is fully charged.
Cut down your use of electrical devices
From navigation systems to car chargers to DVD players, there are now more electrical components to vehicles than ever before. While the innovation makes for a much better riding and driving experience, it does put a lot more pressure on the car battery. To prevent the overuse of your car’s battery, consider ways that you can limit how many electrical components you use at once. While the use of electrical components will not kill your car battery all at once, it could limit its life and lead to the need for early replacement.
Understand how long your car battery should last
Most car batteries last between three and five years on average. You may be able to get more time out of your car battery in some instances. Or in other cases, the car battery life may only be around two years. It is important to understand the expected life of your battery and prepare for replacement once you get closer to it dying naturally.
Have your car battery tested regularly
Having your car battery tested should tell you how much energy your battery can store. Subsequently, it will provide an estimate of how good of condition your car battery is in overall. The last thing you want to do is have your car battery die and have to scramble to find someone to help you jumpstart your car. To avoid this, it is recommended to have your car battery tested at least twice per year.