Without a functioning battery, your car wouldn’t be able to start. But by keeping the battery system well-maintained, you can protect your vehicle’s engine. We’ve outlined several other great tips below on how you can care for your car battery.
How to Take Care of Your Car Battery
Imagine this: You turn your car key and realize the battery is dead. Your day is now disrupted as you deal with taking care of the problem. Here are ways to take care of your battery before you need to deal with a car battery replacement:
Drive the Car
If a car sits for long periods of time, the battery can lose its ability to start the car. To have a battery and charging system tested, bring your vehicle to Reliable Automotive for an AVR test. Our prices are competitive, yet affordable and we can help you save up to $200 on your new car battery.
Pay Attention to the Car’s Lights
The lights on your vehicle’s dashboard are there to alert you to problems before a system fails completely. If your battery light is on, visit Reliable Automotive to have it evaluated. If all the dash lights dim or flicker or the headlights are dim, the battery isn’t generating full power. Don’t ignore these signs for it will only get worse. Head to your Reliable Auto shop and ask for assistance.
Check the Battery Cable and Terminals
Put up the hood and take a look at the cables and terminals around the battery. Corroded cables typically have a flaky layer of white or green discoloration on the battery terminals. The corrosion can be removed and it is an easy way to get the most out of your battery. This especially needs to be done if the car hasn’t been running in quite some time.
Follow the Maintenance Schedule
Ask your Reliable Auto service staff to set a maintenance schedule that coordinates all your preventative checks, including a battery check. Once you receive one, make sure you stick with your schedule as much as possible. It can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
The average life of a car battery is about 5–7 years. Keep in mind, the battery’s life starts once it has been manufactured, not once it’s placed inside of your vehicle. Look at the sticker on the top or side of the battery. A numeric code often used may show 10/21, which means the battery was manufactured in October of 2021.
In general, it will be easier and safer to have your Reliable Auto technician check this for you during a car battery installation. Once the battery turns 2 years old, begin a schedule of annual checks. Your mechanic can tell if the battery is holding its voltage properly, or if it’s time for you to replace it with a new one.
Climate and Your Car Battery
The climate affects your vehicle’s battery. Cold weather requires more power from the battery to start the car. Over the course of the winter, this puts a strain on the battery. It’s important to have your electrical system checked, so the battery can be fully charged when it reads low.
High temperatures in the summer months are even harder on the battery. Corrosion accelerates during hot months and water evaporates out of the battery. The overall effect is to shorten the life of any battery.
Keep your Reliable Auto technician in the loop, so they can monitor how your battery is doing in either cold or hot weather. This is an easy way to stay on top of any battery replacement issues.
