5 Ways to Extend Your Car Battery Life in The Woodlands, TX
Did you know the average car battery lasts anywhere from three to four years? While savvy drivers may be able to get up to six years out of their battery, others may need a new car battery after a short two years. For the most part, the difference between your car battery lasting six years vs. two is — you and your habits.
Fortunately, the team at Repair One in The Woodlands, TX, can help. We have created our five helpful, actionable tips you can use today to extend your car battery life. But if your car battery has already called it quits and you need car battery replacement in The Woodlands, TX, don’t hesitate to reach out to the mechanic at Repair One for fast and affordable car battery solutions.
Minimize Power When Your Engine Off
Car batteries are in the best condition when they remain close to 100% charged. One of the top ways to achieve this is to avoid using your interior lights, headlights, and accessories when your vehicle isn’t running. Here’s why: as you are driving, your alternator is responsible for charging your car battery.
But if your engine isn’t running, using lights, radio, and other electronic components will drain your battery. Eventually, repeatedly doing so can lead to your battery dying prematurely. Because of this, make sure all of your accessories are off before you exit your vehicle and walk away.
Keep Your Battery Tightly Fastened
Everyone likes a bit of security, and your battery is no different. When your battery isn’t fastened securely, it will vibrate, which could lead to short circuits as well as internal damage. And this can significantly shorten the life of your battery.
However, don’t make the mistake of over-tightening your battery. This can also cause damage. Instead, it’s best to tighten your battery nuts until you begin to feel the resistance. You want it secure, but you don’t want to squeeze the life out of your battery, which is exactly what overtightening would do.
Cleanliness Is Key
Every so often, give your battery a quick once over. The top of your battery should be free of grime and dirt as well as dry and clean. A dingy, dirty battery can cause discharge across the top of the casing, creating a short circuit. This will eventually cause your battery to experience premature failure.
At the same time, if you see corrosion on the top of the battery, you should clean it to extend its life. Grab an old toothbrush, dip it in a mixture of water and baking soda. Then, rinse the mixture off with cold water — ideally spritzed from a spray bottle — and thoroughly dry the terminals with a clean cloth.
Schedule a Battery Inspection at Repair One in The Woodlands Texas
Having your car battery regularly tested by the mechanic at Repair One can significantly limit the likelihood of being stranded with no power. The expert car battery mechanic at Repair One can quickly utilize professional equipment to test and determine your battery’s vitality. While you can always use a multimeter yourself, our car battery inspection equipment is exponentially more accurate. In either case, if you have any concerns about the life and reliability of your car battery, reach out to us: we can help.
Show Your Whole Car Some Love
Your car battery doesn’t operate on an island. Instead, it works in conjunction with several other parts. For example, a bad alternator can quickly kill a new battery. A failing alternator can overcharge the car battery, which will cause damage.
At the same time, if your alternator is undercharging the battery, it will leave it flat, which will expedite its failure. Because of this, every part of your vehicle must be properly maintained to extend the life of your car battery.
Contact Repair One in The Woodlands, TX for Car Battery, Repair & Maintenance Solutions
Do you need car battery replacement in The Woodlands, TX? Or do you need your car battery tested? In either case, the team at Repair One can help. We offer a full range of innovative car battery solutions designed to extend the life of your existing car battery or help you find the perfect new one.
