Cars are not complete without batteries. Whether you want to start your car or charge your phone on the go, batteries keep your vehicle running. That’s why it’s important to know when to consider replacing your car battery and what you can do to prolong its life.
Several factors can affect your car’s battery life, including extreme temperatures, parasitic drains, driving habits, and more. Typically, lead-acid batteries last between three and five years, but aging can eventually kill them.
Fortunately, you can do a few things to prolong the shelf life of your car battery. Here are some tips on how to maintain a car battery and get every bit of power it can give before your next replacement.
Many factors can cause a car battery to die, from conditions inside the battery to external factors. Here are some
Never leave your car unused for a long period.
If your car remains inactive for a long period (or if you only take short trips), it will take your battery a long time to recharge. Regularly using your car will ensure that it’s performing at its best, so drive it for 30 minutes every week to warm up the engine and circulate the fluids.
If you don’t use your car for more than two weeks, your car battery will probably need to be replaced. It is important to ensure the battery is fully charged and the electrolyte levels are correct. To get further advice, call Tuscaloosa Hyundai’s service department.
Make sure to fasten the battery securely.
Battery connections can become unstable due to constant engine vibrations and regular vehicle use. Therefore, it is important to inspect and check the battery regularly.
A tightened battery connection ensures a stable electrical connection. It is important to ensure that connections are tight to avoid power loss, overheating, and voltage irregularities caused by loose terminals. Stability minimizes battery strain by optimizing charging and discharging cycles.
Be sure to clean your car battery regularly.
Dust, grime, and engine vibrations accumulate around your battery, and moisture and chemical reactions cause corrosion at the terminals. In this case, the battery may not perform properly due to improper current flow. This is why you shouldn’t overlook the engine bay or battery area when cleaning your car.
If you need help cleaning your battery, leave it to the professionals. Our battery technicians can test and clean your battery.
Only use accessories if the car is running.
You can drain your battery by keeping your headlights and interior lights on or turning on the ignition without starting the engine. Since your car’s alternator shuts down when the engine is off, electronic accessories drain the battery’s power instead.
Check that everything is off when you exit your car (especially your lights).
Remember to lock your car whenever you leave it. In addition to security, your car’s computer system may still be running if you leave the door open, draining the battery without your knowledge.
Maintain a regular battery testing schedule.
Regularly assessing your battery’s condition will ensure you get the most out of it. Battery tests can show you how healthy your battery is by measuring how much voltage it’s putting out. As a result, you won’t get stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery. By regularly testing your battery, you’ll be able to figure out when you need a battery replacement.
Get professional assistance to ensure your battery is functioning properly. Tuscaloosa Hyundai’s service department has a battery capacity measurement tool to tell us if your old car battery is due for replacement.
You can rely on Tuscaloosa Hyundai to monitor the condition of your battery and check its output voltage. Battery services can be added to your Hyundai vehicle’s routine maintenance checks, like oil changes and tire rotations. Call or visit our parts department to learn more about finding a reliable battery replacement.
Whether you need a battery replacement or testing, we are happy to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
