The modern 12 volt lead acid battery usually doesn’t require much maintenance, but that doesn’t mean that you should ignore it completely. Here are a few things that you can do to make your battery have a long life.
Drive your car! Your car’s alternator recharges your battery as you drive. If you don’t drive often, or don’t drive far enough, you won’t have enough recharging time to refill the battery.
Don’t use your battery when the car isn’t running. Don’t leave your lights on, including the interior and trunk lights. Don’t listen to music or let your kids watch videos in the back.
Try to keep your car from getting too hot in the summer. Park under a tree or in a parking garage to keep the direct rays of the sun off your car hood.
Ask us about other ways to help your battery. We might recommend other accessories that will reduce physical wear and tear.
With good care, most batteries will last for about four years. At some point, even the best maintained batteries will finally fail. Here are some common warning signs of a battery that is about to die.
- Corrosion on the battery case or posts.
- A slower start to the engine.
- A sulfuric, rotten egg smell.
- Cracks in the battery case.
If you think your battery is wearing out, drop by. We can help you determine if your battery simply needs maintenance or needs to be replaced.
Related Post: Starting Things Up Right With Your Battery