There is nothing quite as derailing to your day as hopping behind the wheel of your car, pushing the ignition, and nothing happening. A few sharp clicks let you know that, more than likely, you have a dead car battery. Batteries aren’t like tires, and most people don’t have spares lying around, so you’ll need to find someone to help you jumpstart your car or call roadside assistance before your day can even begin. Most drivers will have this experience at least once in their lifetime, but there are ways you can prevent it from becoming a common occurrence.
Drive Regularly
Generally, the more you use a product, the more wear and tear it suffers, but car batteries are a bit different. While the battery is used to start the vehicle, once it’s going, your car’s alternator is responsible for recharging the battery. So, the longer your car is running, the more renewal your battery gets. If you leave your vehicle parked for several months at a time, when it’s time to crank it up again, you’ll likely find that the battery has completely run out of juice.
Secure Your Battery
Make sure the battery is securely fastened. Most vehicles have clamps, brackets, and connections that hold the battery in place, preventing movement. However, if you regularly drive on bumpy roads, the vibration can loosen the connections, allowing the battery to move around. The jostling can cause internal damage to the battery, reducing its lifespan. It’s good practice to occasionally pop the hood and make sure that your battery is fastened securely.
Clean the Battery
The natural operation of your battery can cause corrosion to build up around your battery terminals. Regularly cleaning the corrosion off of your battery can help your battery stay healthy by allowing your battery to charge and discharge properly. To clean your battery, use a rough cloth or toothbrush and a baking soda mixture or a battery cleaning product.
Turn off Electronics
The battery is responsible for providing power to the electronic components of your vehicle when the engine is off. Occasionally, keeping the AC running or the radio going when the engine is off is unlikely to cause any issues, but doing so often and for extended periods can wear your battery down. Try to limit these instances as much as possible.
Test The Battery Often
Regularly checking your battery can help you ensure it’s well-maintained and determine when it’s nearing the end of its life. Use a car battery tester or visit us at Hunter Ford to check your battery’s output voltage and monitor its condition. You can add battery services to your regular routine maintenance, such as oil changes or tire rotations. When it’s time to replace your battery, speak with a representative in our parts department about finding a durable new battery.
We look forward to helping you monitor your battery’s health. Book an appointment with us today.
