Theoretically, a car battery should last for several years without replacement. But in order to achieve this shelf life, the battery should not be subjected to temperature changes, carry out the correct charging cycles, connect to a stable charging system and the power should not be distributed between other accessories.
Indications your car battery is dying
Here are some ways to find out if your car battery could be getting drained and a replacement might be required – take a look:
• Starting a car is more difficult because the car cannot gain enough power for all engine components.
• Does it work more slowly than usual when starting the ignition? If so, you need to check the battery as soon as possible.
• A quick click while turning the key is a sign of low battery.
• Do your headlights dim? With a high probability, you will need a battery replacement.
• Most vehicles currently have electrical accessories, such as radios or power windows. Turn the key in the ignition and check them – if they seem lethargic, it means low battery.
Tips to extend the battery life
We can’t create ideal circumstances that never affect battery life, but precautions can be undertaken to prolong shelf life and maximize performance. Here goes:
- • Use insulated sleeves to cover batteries, as this protects them from high temperatures.
- • Regularly check the battery terminals – this is necessary to find out if corrosive deposits have formed around them. If you notice corrosion, clean it immediately, otherwise it may cause problems at startup. Apply dielectric grease around the terminals to prevent oxidation and place felt washers under it.
- • Never leave the headlights on as they discharge the battery!
- • The battery must be firmly secured under the hood. If it is loose, it will interfere with engine parts and cause a short circuit. The missing battery bracket should not be neglected.
- • Buying a cheap battery is a sure-fire way to cut costs, but ultimately it will cost more. Each car has a certain number of cold start amplifiers to start the engine, and using a weak battery reduces its service life by half, especially when mercury drops sharply. Refer to the user manual for amperage.
Follow these guidelines to save your car battery, extend its shelf life and at the same time get stellar performance.
-Jack Wilson