Tips for Extending the life span of Your Car Battery
Water Level
Checking the drinking water level, perhaps, plays the most important role in sustaining your car's battery. The water that is used should be distilled or demineralized, and the refill must be done utilizing a tool made of rubber or plastic, and nothing associated with metal. Overfilling the battery must be avoided, but you would also need to ensure that the plates always remain submerged in drinking water. If the water level goes below than what is actually recommended, then the battery plates would start deteriorating quickly. To add to this, always add water after the battery may be charged.
Avoid Short Trips
One of the easiest methods for increasing your car's battery life is by cutting upon frequent small drives. This is more important if you reside in a cold climate. Starting a cold engine causes condensation within the exhaust, which when not evaporated, causes water accumulation within the muffler. So if you are not running your car long enough for that evaporation to happen, then after a certain period, the accumulated water can harm the muffler. So, the next time when you navigate to the nearest store, consider walking.
Do Not Jump Start
Jump starting a cold dead battery is a bad idea. But if you need to, then just allow your car to warm up in the sun about 30 minutes before the jump start.
Keep it Clean
Cleanliness is not only important in your own home, but also for your car's battery. Over time, dust and dirt get accumulated within the cables and the battery itself, and act as the conductive agent thus, causing uncontrolled discharge and electricity reduction. So to avoid such problems, simply clean the battery utilizing a dust brush. Needless to mention, do not use drinking water.
Disconnect When Not in Use
If you are off for any vacation and your car may lie dormant for at some point, then just be reminded to disconnect the battery. This really is to avoid unnecessary drainage of electricity.
Prevent Corrosion
Deterioration and loose connections also lessen the battery life. So search for these things when you check your car's battery, and get a qualified technician to achieve the problems solved. You may also make use of an easy solution of baking soda and water to clean the actual battery terminal, which usually has the accumulation of a white powdery substance that disrupts the transmission of electricity.
Recharging
The way you recharge your car's battery could also decide how long its life is. Experts recommend to recharge soon after every use, and using a battery charger that matches with how big the battery. To avoid overcharging of your battery, a computerized charger is recommended for use.
Wiring
One of the helpful suggestions to improve a car's battery life is by looking at the electrical wiring too. Sometimes, wires are damaged and obtain exposed thus, causing electrical leaks and short circuits.
Search for Damage
It is a good practice to have a glance at the battery every time you look under the cover. This will keep you abreast of the battery's deterioration status. Common signs which indicate that the battery is deteriorating include cracks within the plastic casing, or anything missing in the connections. When the damage is mild, then an early service would give the appliance some more months or so. Normally, signs such as cracks, ports or swelled battery casing, etc., indicate that the electric battery is dying, and needs a replacement.
Following the above tips is simple, but maintenance requires consistency. So take out a little time for your vehicle's battery every week, and zero your chances of getting stuck in the center of nowhere.