There are few things as inconvenient as getting into your car to travel to work or some other important appointment and discovering you have a flat battery. Unfortunately, now that many of us are working from home and/or socialising less, this also means we aren’t using our vehicles as regularly, which isn’t good for the health of their batteries. Below are six tips for extending car-battery life.
Regular Drives of a Decent Length
We’re not talking about the odd trip to the supermarket for groceries. For prolonging car-battery life, you should be aiming to give your vehicle a weekly run of about an hour’s duration. This will ensure it is fully charged by the trip. If such a practice isn’t feasible for whatever reason, you might want to consider investing in a battery charger, so that you can recharge your car battery at home when necessary.
Kill the Lights!
OK, this point is a matter of common sense, but don’t leave your vehicle with any lights still switched on. Countless flat batteries have resulted from people who unknowingly left car lights running while going for a meal/movie/music gig, etc. If you’re planning to be away from your car for a while, it never hurts to double check that everything is switched off.
Keep it Clean!
You should occasionally check for corrosion around your battery terminals, which can cause all sorts of battery-connection problems. BE CAREFUL when disconnecting your car battery. If you haven’t done it before, get someone experienced to help you or watch a few tutorials online. The good news is that corrosion can usually be scrubbed away with water and a stiff brush.
Limit Electricals While Not Driving
If it’s maximum battery life you’re after, another tip is not to run extra electricals like the air-conditioning system while stationary. These place a significant drain on the battery at a time when it’s either charging slowly or not at all.
Avoid Extreme Conditions
Very hot temperatures both increase the rate at which a car battery naturally loses its charge and increase the speed at which terminal corrosion forms. Obviously, we can’t alter the local climate where we live, but there are definitely better places to park your vehicle for long periods.
Have the Vehicle Serviced Regularly
Not only will the mechanic be able to verify that you are taking proper care of your battery, they’ll ensure the car’s engine is running smoothly. That’s especially important in this case because out-of-tune engines place a greater drain on vehicle batteries.
Battery Problem? Due for a Service? We Can Help!
Based in Dayboro in the Moreton Bay region north of Brisbane, Mainstreme Automotive is a family business that’s been operating since 2001, earning numerous five-star reviews from our customers. We repair every type of vehicle, in all makes and models, and are committed to providing the best possible service at a competitive price. You can contact us at or by calling (07) 3425 1503.
