A flat battery is every driver’s worst nightmare. This issue may be more frustrating as there are no prior warning signs before such an occurrence. Battery maintenance is crucial to avoid being stranded in the middle of nowhere with a flat battery. It also extends the lifespan of your battery and saves you from unnecessary expenses.
Here are five tips to help you get the best out of your battery and avoid such dreadful occurrences:
1. Park in the garage
The weather conditions can affect your battery’s lifespan. Cold can make it difficult for your car to start, while extreme sunlight causes the water in the battery fluid to evaporate. So, it is vital to keep your car battery away from such elements. Park your car in an enclosed garage to provide a conducive environment for your battery’s life.
2. Regularly check your battery’s voltage.
Test your battery’s voltage regularly. It will save you from a breakdown or battery failure while driving. Using a voltmeter is the simplest way to test your car’s voltage. Digital voltmeters are easy to use.
To get an accurate reading, ensure to carry out the voltage test a few hours after the car has been turned off. Connect the positive voltmeter head to the positive terminal on your battery and repeat the same with the negative charge. The voltmeter will start reading. A fully charged battery is between 12.4 and 12.8 volts. Contact your mechanic if the voltmeter is reading above or below these numbers.
3. Clean your battery regularly.
Ensure your battery is always dry and free from dirt. Wetness can cause a short circuit which can flatten your battery. Use a sponge or dry cloth to remove dirt from the battery surface. We recommend doing this at least once a month to avoid accumulating dirt over time.
Regular cleaning of your battery helps to increase its longevity and efficiency. It is common for the battery terminals and charge clamps to corrode, restricting the flow of electricity. Ask your mechanic to clean the terminals when servicing your car.
4. Don’t leave your car unused for long periods.
Avoid going long periods without using your vehicle. Your battery charges every time you go on a journey. So, leaving your car inactive will reduce the battery’s voltage until it cannot start your vehicle. Short trips are also not advisable as your car won’t have sufficient time to recharge.
Maintain the battery by driving your car regularly and for long periods. If you don’t use the car regularly, get a battery charger to maintain the voltage or take it out for a 30-minute drive at least once a week to warm it up and circulate the car’s fluids.
5. Minimize the power usage when the battery is off
Avoid keeping your headlights, interior lights, and ignition on without running the engine, as these can drain your car’s battery. Keeping these accessories on drains power directly from the battery when the engine is off. Lock your vehicle to ensure that the car’s system is shut down when leaving the vehicle.
These tips will help increase the longevity and efficiency of your battery.