How to Extend Your Car Battery Life | Roanoke, VA

How to Make Your Car Battery Last

There's nothing quite as frustrating as stepping into a freezing parking lot only to discover that your car won't start. A dead car battery is often the culprit, although there could be other reasons for the issue. Sure, you can jump-start your ride when it happens, but it's better to steer clear of those situations in the first place. The key to avoiding this hassle is taking good care of your battery.

However, you need to remember that batteries don't last forever. You'll eventually need to swap yours out. But with proper maintenance, you can extend its lifespan, saving you some cash over time and keeping you from being stuck in a chilly parking lot with a stubborn car.

Ways to Extend Your Car Battery Life

On average, car batteries last between four and six years. That said, various factors, such as weather conditions, vehicle type, or even your driving habits, can impact how long your battery will last.

Below are some of the ways you can extend car battery life.

Your car's alternator is responsible for keeping the battery charged while you're driving. But if you frequently take short trips, it might shorten your battery's lifespan. Car batteries are at their best when they get a longer run. They need about eight hours of driving to fully recharge, which gives the alternator enough time to do its job. If your battery doesn't get a full charge, it can develop crystalline solid deposits on the negative plates, stopping it from charging correctly.

This doesn't mean you must drive around for eight hours daily. You should also remember that using your car's lights, heater fan, and radio too much can drain the battery more than you'd expect. The best thing to do is to balance things out.

Batteries can handle a wide range of temperatures but struggle in extreme heat or cold. When it's very hot, the fluid inside the battery can start to evaporate, which might lead to overcharging and ultimately shorten its lifespan.

On the other hand, when it gets too cold, batteries can self-discharge and die out completely. The electrolytes in the battery could freeze, causing problems inside and outside the case. So, if you plan to leave your car parked during those chilly winter months, place it in a spot where the temperature is more balanced.

Are you putting away your car for the winter? It's essential to watch those batteries since they can lose their charge when left idle. To keep your battery in good shape, charge it every six weeks. But don't just leave it plugged into a charger all the time, as that could wear it out quicker. A battery maintainer is an excellent solution. It'll keep track of the battery's voltage and adjust the charging level automatically, preventing any issues with undercharging or overcharging.

It's crucial to check your battery for any signs of corrosion. You'll know you have corrosion if you see a white powder forming around the terminals or clamps. Mix baking soda with water and grab a non-metal brush to clean those up. It's best to tackle this cleaning routine before any corrosion shows up. If you notice corrosion, it might be time to get a new battery, but keeping things clean can help extend its life.

There are two main types of car batteries: maintainable and maintenance-free. Most cars these days use the latter. Maintainable batteries (also known as non-maintenance-free or wet cell batteries) come with removable caps on top for adding fluid.

When maintainable batteries discharge and recharge, the fluid inside turns into a gas. You'll need to refill the fluid occasionally. Hot summer weather can also speed up evaporation.

On the other hand, maintenance-free batteries are built to stabilize fluid levels, so you don't have to worry about topping off the electrolyte liquid. They also generally last longer.

Schedule Batter Maintenance at Berglund CDJR

It's wise to follow your maintenance schedule and have professionals check your battery to keep it running smoothly and avoid any unexpected car issues. When you swing by Berglund CDJR in Roanoke, VA, tell our mechanics you'd like a full battery inspection to ensure it's doing its job and charging right. Our skilled team can identify problems with a weak battery, offer workable solutions, and give you handy tips for extending its lifespan. Stop by or give us a call today for all your battery needs.