May 1, 2018
You may not realise how important your car battery really is, the battery is one of the core functions of your car and it controls so many aspects of the vehicle that you probably have never even considered. It powers things like the wipers, headlamps, the radio, the air conditioning and the battery is actually what starts your car in the first place.
The battery is primarily used to jolt electricity to start the car after the power kicks in from the battery the car then starts functioning on power supplied by the alternator. A car battery generates and accumulates electricity, it’s really quite impressive. Car batteries typically last around 4-5 years depending on the make and model, batteries are susceptible to fail particularly in harsh weather conditions, both hot and cold.
Reducing your shorter journeys will help your battery life, short journeys prevent your battery from charging to its full capacity. To Maintain your battery, take your car on longer journeys and try limiting the shorter trips and keep them to a minimum.
If you are leaving your car idle for a few days or weeks try and arrange for it to be started a few times and leave it running for a short time, this will boost and recharge the car battery and prolong your battery life.
This goes without saying, using up extra electric power when it’s not needed will drain your battery. Keeping them running accidentally can have a negative effect on the car battery. To remind you that your headlights are still on, most modern cars will beep (just like if you haven’t got your seatbelt on) to remind you.
If you take a look at your battery it might have a build-up of dirt on the terminals, try removing the dirt with a toothbrush, baking soda and water, gently rub and remove all the dirt. A little clean up every year or so can really help improve the lifespan of your battery.
When your car is due a service make sure you have the voltage of your battery checked, the mechanic will advise on your options should your car need a new battery. It is best to keep a check on this with every service to prevent breaking down on your journey. If your car isn’t serviced regularly this also causes a strain on the battery as it has to work harder.
When you are buying a new car battery a top tip is to check the sticker or label on the side which has the date on it, always check the battery is fresh and hasn’t been sitting for months.
Maintaining your car battery could be the difference between being stuck on the side of the road and needing roadside assistance. However even though you follow the above tips there is no real guarantee that the battery will not fail at any time, the best you can do is have it checked by a professional. Get quotes online for your battery check through MyCarNeedsA.com, compare the costs of garages near you today.
