5 Laidback Ways to Help Your Car Battery Last Longer

Posted by Matthew Short on October 11th, 2022

Every driver will agree that a flat battery that comes out of nowhere can be a huge pain.

Even though things like bad weather and how you drive can affect how long your car battery lasts, it is possible to keep your battery from going dead before it should by Car Repair Luton.

Batteries for cars usually last between three and five years on average. If you don't want to have to buy a new one every year or two, here are five easy ways to make it last longer.

Check your battery voltage often

If you test your battery before you go out on the roads, you might avoid a breakdown or a dead battery. A qualified mechanic can do a battery test for you, but there's also a handy device you can use at home if you need to do a test in between car services.

A voltmeter is the best way to check the voltage of your battery. Digital voltmeters are the easiest to use if you want to buy one. Do the voltage test at least 12 hours after your car has been turned off to get the most accurate results.

Start by connecting the positive lead of your voltmeter to the positive terminal on your battery. Then, connect the negative lead to the same terminal. The reading will then be given to you. Most of the time, a fully charged battery will show between 12.4 and 12.8 volts. If your voltage reading is lower or higher than these numbers, it's likely that your battery needs to be checked by a mechanic.

Don't let your car sit idle for a long time

If you leave your car sitting for days at a time or only drive it for short distances, the battery won't have enough time to charge.

Your car will work best if you use it often. If you can, try to take it out for a 30-minute drive at least once a week to warm up the engine and get the fluids moving.

If you won't be using your car for a few weeks, it's likely that the battery will need some work when you do. The best thing to do is make sure it is fully charged and check that the electrolyte levels are right (if it has removable caps). If you're not sure what to do, call RAC or an auto shop for more information.

Always clean your battery

Grime, dirt, or moisture on a car battery can cause leakage across the battery casing, which can cause a short circuit and drain the battery. This dirt on the surface is easy to clean off with a sponge and a dry cloth. Do this at least once a month to keep things from getting worse.

Corrosion is a common problem on battery terminals and battery lead clamps. Corroded terminals and lead clamps can stop electricity from moving through the battery, so it's important to get rid of any dirt or build-up to make sure your battery lasts and works well. During service, if the terminals need to be cleaned, ask your mechanic to do so.

Don't use electronic parts of your car when the engine isn't running

Leaving your headlights and/or interior lights on or turning on the ignition to run the infotainment system without starting the engine can drain the battery. This is because when you turn off your car's engine, the alternator stops working. This means that electronic accessories drain power from your car's battery.

To keep this from happening, make it a habit to check that everything, especially your lights, is off every time you leave your car.

Also, when you leave your car, don't forget to lock it. This isn't just for safety; if you leave your car door open, the computer system may still be running, which could be draining your battery without your knowledge.

Have your car checked out regularly

It's best to have a professional check your Car Battery Luton so you don't break down unexpectedly. Ask the mechanic doing your next car service to check that your battery is in good shape and charging properly.

To know more, do reach out to us.