How to Preserve a Car Battery
Car batteries do not last forever. Most of them have useful lifespans that range from three to five years. Although the technology used for automotive batteries has vastly improved over the years, the electric consumption of the average vehicle has also dramatically increased. All of the power equipment that is standard in new cars puts a great strain on the battery and can potentially reduce its lifespan. On the other side of the spectrum are vehicles in storage. When a car is not being used, it can drain a battery more than a heavily used car. However, it is possible to preserve a car battery in either situation by following a few simple rules.
Is It On?
The first step that will help preserve a car battery is to make sure that it is not being used unnecessarily. While being driven, this is not usually a problem because the battery is constantly being recharged by the alternator. However, it can still help to turn down the air conditioning when it is not that hot outside and to use the heated seats only when absolutely necessary.
The biggest problems with excessive battery use occur when the vehicle is parked. Always make sure to turn off the headlights before shutting down the engine. Also, if you plan on using interior lights, the stereo or other electronic equipment, try to do so while the car is running. Draining the battery to low levels and recharging it again is much harder on the battery than keeping it constantly charged.
Battery Maintenance
The new automotive batteries that most people use today require much less maintenance than the traditional batteries. It used to be necessary to check and refill the electrolytes on a regular basis, but this is no longer a requirement with most new batteries. However, some maintenance is still required in order to preserve a car battery.
To better preserve a car battery, the terminal posts on the battery should be cleaned with a wire brush every three to four months. In addition, the connectors that attach to the terminals should be loosened and cleaned at the same time. This ensures that the battery has the best possible connection to the rest of the electrical system.
Vehicles in Storage
Cars are meant to be driven every day. If they are not driven, fluids may drain or thicken, rust may develop, lubricants may dry out and the battery may drain of its charge. The best solution to this problem is to start the car and drive it for a mile or two at least once per week. However, if this is not possible, some alternatives are available.
A trickle charger be attached to cars in storage. These chargers will keep a battery fully charged without submitting it to the dangers of an overcharge.
Batteries Don’t Last Forever
Even though it is possible to preserve a car battery, it must be remembered that batteries do not last forever. If you are looking for an additional way to extend the life of your car battery you might want to look into purchasing a car battery charger.
