How To Extend Your Car’s Battery Life

As a vehicle owner, it’s only natural to want to get the most out of your vehicle. A large part of achieving that will come from proper maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotation. But one area that is often overlooked compared to other maintenance tasks is the car battery.

The battery serves as the heart of your vehicle, providing the power for it to do everything. So, it’s also important to include car battery maintenance in the routine.  A properly functioning battery ensures a smooth and reliable ride, while a failing one can quickly leave you stranded. But don't worry, extending your car battery’s life isn't rocket science. With some simple battery care and maintenance, you can easily add years to its life expectancy.

In this article, we break down some easy ways that you can help keep your battery in top shape and ensure it keeps your vehicle sufficiently powered for as long as possible.

What Is the Average Car Battery Lifespan?

This may be one of the first questions that come to mind when considering how to extend your car battery’s life expectancy. It is helpful to have a starting point to consider. So, to answer that question, the general average is three to five years. However, several factors can affect the lifespan of a car battery, including the following:

• Battery type: The most common type, flooded lead-acid batteries, have an average life span of roughly three to five years, while sealed lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries can last longer, up to 10 years or more.
• Driving habits: A car battery that is frequently used for short trips may not have a chance to recharge, which can shorten its lifespan fully.
• Age of the car: The battery in an older car may not be as efficient as a new battery. This will also shorten its lifespan.

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Tips to Extend Your Car Battery Life Expectancy

Taking care of your car's battery is essential for maximizing its longevity and preventing unexpected breakdowns. Here are some effective strategies to help you keep your car's battery in optimal condition:

1. Regularly Check Battery Terminals and Connections

One of the first things you should do to help extend your car battery life is to inspect the battery terminals and connections regularly. Over time, chalky white corrosion can build up on the terminals, affecting the flow of electricity. So make it a habit to check the battery terminals for any signs of corrosion or loose connections.

If you notice any issues, carefully clean the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water, and tighten any loose connections with a wrench. Be careful to avoid getting the baking soda solution inside the battery cells.  Additionally, confirm that the battery is securely fastened in its tray to prevent vibrations that can damage the internal components.

2. Keep Your Car Battery Clean

Maintaining a clean battery is crucial for its proper functioning. Like corrosion, dirt and grime can accumulate on the battery’s surface, leading to electrical resistance and reducing efficiency. Carefully clean the battery regularly using a soft cloth or brush and the baking soda solution.

3. Drive Your Car Regularly

Frequent use of your car enables your alternator to help keep the battery charged. So if your vehicle sits unused for extended periods, its battery gradually loses charge, leading to battery sulfation and reduced capacity. If possible, try to drive your car at least once a week for a reasonable distance to keep the battery charged. This regular use helps keep your battery in good condition.

4. Limit Short Trips and Time Idling

Short trips and excessive idling can also strain your car's battery. Remember, it requires a significant pull of power from the battery to start the engine. But, if you frequently take short trips, the battery may not have enough time to recharge fully, resulting in a gradual loss of charge.

Similarly, excessive idling can drain the battery without allowing it to recover its charge. Whenever possible, combine multiple errands into one trip and avoid prolonged periods of idling.

5. Don’t Use Electronics When the Engine Is Off

Using electronic devices, such as the stereo or air conditioning, when the engine is off can quickly drain the charge and shorten your car battery’s life. These devices draw power directly from the battery, leading to a significant discharge if used for an extended period. It's best to avoid using any electronics when the engine is off to preserve your battery's charge.

6. Turn Off Interior Lights and Accessories When Not in Use

Leaving your car's interior lights or other accessories on or plugged in when they're not needed can significantly drain the battery. So make it a habit to turn off all lights (including the headlights) and unplug accessories like cell phone chargers when exiting your vehicle. This simple practice can go a long way toward conserving your battery's charge and extending its life.

7. Avoid Extreme Temperatures As Much as Possible

Extreme hot and cold temperatures can negatively affect your battery’s performance. High temperatures can cause the battery fluid to evaporate faster, leading to internal damage and a reduced life span. Alternatively, cold temperatures can increase the battery’s internal resistance, making it harder for it to deliver the necessary power.

Whenever possible, park your car in a shaded area during hot weather and use a battery insulation kit during cold weather to protect the battery from extreme temperatures.

8. Use a Battery Maintainer

If you have a car that is not frequently used or will be parked for an extended period, consider using a battery maintainer. These devices provide a low-level charge to prevent self-discharge and maintain the battery's optimal charge level. A battery maintainer can help ensure that your battery stays charged and in good condition while your car is not in use.

Tate Boys Can Help You Keep Your Battery in the Best Shape

By implementing these tips, you can extend your car battery life and minimize the chances of unexpected battery failure. Taking care of your battery will save you from the inconvenience of a dead battery and help you save money by avoiding premature car battery replacement.

Here at Tate Boys, we can help you keep your car battery in the best shape possible. Our ASE-certified mechanics offer car battery maintenance services, including:

• Car battery testing: The mechanic will measure your battery’s output against the battery manufacturer’s specifications.
• Battery maintenance: This includes cleaning the battery terminals, checking cables, and applying a corrosion-inhibiting gel.
• Car battery replacement: Your old battery will be removed and properly disposed of, and then a new battery that meets your vehicle’s specifications will be installed. Our expert mechanics can provide input on the best battery for your car.

When your vehicle is in for other scheduled maintenance, we can also do a battery check to make the most of your time at the shop.

Battery and other electrical issues can be tricky to diagnose. But the expert mechanics at each of our convenient locations have the technology and experience needed to diagnose the system accurately.

They will use diagnostic equipment to gather data, measure the voltage, correctly interpret the data, and pinpoint any battery issue. We will then explain the solution in detail, answer any questions you may have, and get you back on the road quickly.