Your car battery turns on your radio, headlights, and all of your vehicle’s many electrical components. When your battery dies, it’s not only an inconvenience, but it can also cause your car not to start at all. This frustration can be avoided with proper battery service. So, when should you have your battery serviced and why? Read on to find out more about car batteries and what you can do to ensure longer battery life.
How Long do Car Batteries Last?
There’s really no set lifespan on car batteries, but the average time a battery should last you is around two to four years. This depends heavily on a few factors including where you live, how frequently you drive, and even your own personal driving habits. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures of hot or cold, it can affect your battery’s overall lifespan. In addition, a lot of dirt and dust can affect battery performance. With regular battery inspections, you can help to ensure that it lasts longer.
How to Make Your Car Battery Last
In order to get the most from your car battery, you should have it routinely checked for power levels. A trained mechanic can tell you if the battery needs to be recharged. This simple, inexpensive service can help to keep your battery in excellent condition. Whenever possible, keep your vehicle stored in a garage or carport when it’s not being driven. This will protect your battery from excess grime and dirt. Turn off all electronics and unplug any chargers whenever they’re not being used. It’s a simple, smart way to preserve battery life.
Clean your battery contacts regularly. You can do this by using a mixture of water and baking soda and then scrub the contacts with a toothbrush or rag. This easy mixture will keep the contacts clean and remove any buildup of battery acid and grime. Another tip? Drive your car for at least 15 to 20 minutes after you start it to allow the battery to fully recharged. Always make sure your headlights and passenger cabin lights are off before you go inside.
Battery Replacement
If you’ve had regular checkups and you keep the contacts clean, your car battery should last for several years. However, there are times when the battery simply needs to be replaced. If you notice that your battery is not putting out full power, it could be time for a replacement. Look for signs such as your engine not turning over properly, you need a jump start several times, or your windows, doors, and lights start to malfunction. All of these are signs that your battery has run its course.
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