Keeping your battery healthy can extend its life and save you money. It’s important to take care of your car battery to make sure it lasts as long as possible and runs optimally when you need it. Follow these tips for automotive battery maintenance that will extend the life of your battery and reduce the cost of ownership. Consider this: If you drive an average of 15,000 miles per year, a two-year lifespan for your car battery could cost you as much as $300 in repairs. That’s why battery maintenance is an essential part of ownership. If you have a conventional lead-acid battery (most common), there are some simple things you can do to keep it in good condition – and avoid the expense of having to replace it early.
Change your battery before it’s too late
The signs of an aging battery are often hidden from view, but a few simple checks can reveal if it is beginning to fail. If you find that your car is taking longer to start in cold weather (below 15 degrees F), it could be because the battery is weakening. And if you find that your car struggles to start in warm weather (above 68 degrees F), that could be a sign of a failing alternator. A low-charge warning light is another sign that your battery is on its last legs. If you’ve had your car for a while and you notice this, it’s probably worth changing the battery. If you’re not sure how old your battery is, you can find out by checking the date code on the side of the battery. Most car batteries last between two and five years, depending on how often you drive, where you drive (city/highway), and the environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.).
Make sure your battery is fully charged
If you need to replace your battery, make sure that the new one is fully charged before you install it and connect the terminals. This may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how often this step is overlooked. If you put a partially charged battery into service, you’ll have problems with the electrical systems, such as the starter motor, which relies on a full flow of current. A fully charged battery should have 12.4 volts across its terminals. If your battery is more than three years old and has reduced capacity, you may need to have it recharged or replaced. If you drive a hybrid vehicle and use a lot of electricity, you need to keep an eye on the battery because it could go dead if you don’t start it occasionally. If you notice the battery is completely discharged, you should start the car and let it run for a while.
Check your cables and connections
Check the condition of your battery terminals and cables, making sure they are free of rust, oxidation, and other damage. If they are, you may need to clean them off with a wire brush and/or apply a little bit of dielectric grease to keep them from getting stuck. If you have a lead-acid car battery (most common), make sure you use the correct terminals: Positive (+) on Positive, and Negative (-) on Negative. Once the battery terminals are clean and re-connected, make sure the connections are tight, but not so tight that you cause damage to the terminals or the posts by bending them.
Look for any leaks or cracks in the casing
If your battery is more than three years old and in service, it may have cracks in its casing. This can be easily checked by removing the battery from the car, turning it upside down, and looking for any signs of leaking acid. If your battery has visible damage, you should get it replaced as soon as possible. Battery leaks are one of the most common reasons for car batteries to fail, particularly in harsh winter conditions. Driving in extreme weather puts a lot of stress on your car battery, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of damage. If your car battery has leaks, you’ll likely smell something pungent, like rotten eggs. If you smell something strange coming from your car, don’t ignore it – get it checked out before it damages something else.
Bottom line
Car batteries are designed to last a long time, but they still need proper maintenance to keep them healthy. If you drive your car often, you may need to replace your battery every four to six years, depending on the make and model. In general, you should check your car’s battery once a month during the cold winter months and once every two or three months during the rest of the year. When you check your battery, make sure it’s charged and clean, the terminals are free of corrosion, and the connections are tight.
