Your car’s battery should last anywhere from three to five years. With winter coming, it’s important to get your car battery ready. There are more car battery deaths in the winter months.
Looking to prolong its life? You can with proper car battery maintenance. Keep reading to learn how you can care for your battery and avoid the dreaded dead battery.
Table of Contents
Clean Your Battery
First, find the positive side of the battery with the red cap. Make sure you disconnect the negative side. Turn the bolt that connects the wires to the negative terminal by turning counterclockwise and lifting up the wire.
Do the seam thing on the positive side, and make sure you do not touch any metal parts. Wipe down the terminals with a 1:1 mixture of water and baking soda. Use a hard-bristle brush to scrub the terminals.
Don’t forget to reconnect when you are done!
Make Sure the Battery Is Fastened Tightly
If the battery is not securely attached, it can vibrate. This will cause some damage and short circuits. Check the terminal regularly, especially if you drive on bumpy roads.
Check the mounting bracket and make sure the battery is in the proper position.
Try to Limit Short Rides
When you drive short distances, your car battery does not have enough time to charge. This can lead to car battery problems down the road.
If you don’t use your car often, you may want to consider a portable battery charger. These can also jump-start your vehicle if you get stranded.
Limit Electronics While Car Idles
If you are waiting in your car, turn off functions such as the radio and air. When your engine isn’t running, these functions can drain your car battery life along with long periods of idling.
Test Your Battery
By testing your battery often, you know its condition. You can keep track of how it’s doing by testing its output voltage level. You will know how you are maintaining and also know when you may need a new one.
This can give you time to make sure you know how to change a car battery.
Warning Signs Your Battery Is Dying
If you notice any of these signs, you may need a new battery soon:
- The vehicle cranks slowly when you start
- You hear a clicking or grinding sound from the ignition
- Your headlights are dim and brighten with an engine rev
You also have to consider your battery’s age. If it is more than three years old, you should be testing it frequently to make sure you don’t get stranded somewhere.
Use These Car Battery Maintenance Tips
These car battery maintenance tips will help you extend the life of your car battery. No matter how well you care for your battery, without testing it, you may be surprised when it dies. This is why you should be prepared with jumper cables and roadside assistance.
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