With a battery being the most important component in the structure of a car, just like other components, car batteries need to be maintained from time to time to function and live longer. A car battery fires up the zap, gives life to the automobile, and power to mobile gadgets while on the road. So, timely car maintenance with reflector checks in case of battery replacement becomes critical.
So, today we will learn how to prolong the working life of the car battery with proactive measures.
General Maintenance Tips for Car Batteries
A car's battery will last longer and serve better depending on the weather patterns to which it is exposed, how often it is allowed to charge, how many bumps and lurches it faces on the road, and whether the vehicle is of commercial or domestic nature. However, there are several ways to help ensure the dependable performance of your battery.
For some of the vital procedures to follow in ensuring a car battery is in working order, read this complete article.
Get Your Car's Batteries Cleaned Regularly
Cleaning your car's battery at least once or twice a month is the first and foremost step in taking care of a battery. Make sure to check that there is no debris, dirt, or moisture, as these may lead to leaks and, in some cases, short circuits. The dirt build-up can be cleaned off easily with the help of a sponge or dry cloth.
Check the Battery Voltage Performance
This can save you from the unpleasantries of an unexpected automobile battery failure while driving. Another aspect of car battery maintenance is timely testing of the battery. You can perform this yourself or have a qualified expert assist you.
This battery test should provide the vehicle owner insight into whether or not the car's battery has been depleted. For truly dependable results, it is advised to conduct a battery test at least 12 hours after turning off the ignition.
Lock Car Doors to Prevent Electrical Drain
Turn off arguably the air conditioner and infotainment system when the car is idling so as not to drain the battery. The alternator will also cut off when the engine is turned off, and if other mentioned parts and gadgets are left on, there's a possibility that the car battery will discharge.
Therefore, make it a point to check that everything is off before getting out of the car. This includes the computer systems of newer model cars which do stay awake if left unlocked. This, too, runs down your car's battery. This way, locking your car is very important when it comes to security and preservation of the battery.
Switching Off All Lights When The Engine Is Off
When getting out of your vehicle, switch off the headlights, tail lights, and dashboard lights. Many unfortunate situations arise when it's forgotten to turn any of the lights off.
Always Park the Car In the Shade
Always consider parking wherever there is shade to keep the battery at its best, especially in the summer. Due to extremely hot conditions, battery acid tends to evaporate slowly. If the level of acid remains low, then the battery will not charge fully and work at its best. In addition, cables corrode due to low acid levels. However, you can also opt to hang car parking curtains in front of your villa in Dubai.
Checking for Acid Level
It is advisable to check or monitor the level of acid in the battery regularly. This should be done about every six months in general for proper maintenance of the vehicle battery.
Securing a Car Battery
If the car battery is not held securely in place, it might begin to vibrate, thus leading to a short circuit. Check for any vibration to ensure that battery connections are properly put inside the mounting bracket.
Corrosion of Terminals on Batteries
Cleaning corroded terminals is also important because corrosion on lead clamps and terminals may alter the flow of energy. Therefore, make sure to clean the area around the terminals as well, since this helps the battery in the car work well and allows it to last longer.
Terminals typically corrode over time and there are many reasons that car batteries corrode. Just be sure to get rid of any accumulated dirt and grime. Also, you may ask the technician to clean it when you take your car in for regular car maintenance or hire a battery maintenance provider to clean it.
Never Leave Your Vehicle Unattended for Longer than Necessary
If your car stands parked for a long time, its battery will die a slow death. Regular basis or quick jogs of 30 minutes a week should be taken. Constant short trips are also a good alternative to keep the engine going and maintain internal fluid circulation.
Before taking care of other matters, check that the battery is fully charged and the level of all its electrolytes is good. If the battery is equipped with removable covers, then check the electrolyte level. Otherwise, you can take the vehicle to the service center. If the battery has fully discharged and is unable to take charge again, the battery has to be traded. Prices for battery change generally depend on the unforeseen service, therefore it cannot be quoted exactly about their price.
How Long Do Car Batteries Last?
Consult your owner's manual for the specific replacement interval for your car battery. In general, many manufacturers require a replacement every two years, while some car models can guarantee a battery life of four to five years.
In most cases, you may be considering a replacement for your car battery after three or four years. Extreme heat is among the many factors that affect a car battery's life. If you fail to take necessary precautions in the heat, you can expect to see your vehicle's battery fail soon. Average battery life is also quite low in territories with hot weather. The heat can evaporate some of the electrolyte fluid in the automobile battery, leading to internal wear and tear. So take the climate of your region into account when assessing a car battery's lifespan.
Routine proper maintenance can also keep a car battery in good shape for its complete lifespan.
Conclusion
New automobile batteries may last a couple of weeks, on average, if they are in good shape. If the car has been idle for more than two weeks, you'll need to call the mechanic.
We've listed the important car battery maintenance tips; by them, you should ensure that your car is regularly serviced. To keep a battery performing well, it is very important to carry on a comprehensive car maintenance checklist. Make sure you look after every part of your car, as a battery is merely one part of a successful car.
So, if you change batteries time and again and there's something that needs constant repairs and part replacements, you probably need to start searching for a new car. You may as well browse these used cars for sale in the UAE to get the best car within your budget.
For all things, auto from newly introduced cars, car repairs, maintenance suggestions on different parts of the car, and much more, keep visiting FixAnyCar.ae.