How to get the most life and performance out of the car battery?

In the good old days, there used to be heavy usage of mechanical components in the car. However, that trend has become history, with the cars today relying more on electronic components. The primary energy source for parts like headlights, horn, air conditioner, or even the ignition is the car battery (or auto battery).

The battery can be considered the heart of the car, as your car would not even start if the auto battery is not in good condition.

Since the battery is vital for the car's proper functioning, it becomes essential to look after the battery's well-being. Simple steps can help in prolonging the life of the auto battery.

Are you intrigued to know how to keep the car battery in top-notch condition? In this blog, we share some integral steps that can help care for the car battery efficiently.

Steps to make the most out of the car battery

Timely inspection of the terminals

Lead and acid are the two essential materials present inside the car battery. The presence of acid can result in the accumulation of greenish deposits over the terminals. This is called corrosion, which can result in connection issues between the battery and terminals.

Too much corrosion can destroy the battery and leaves replacement as the only solution. One can avoid such a situation by wiping the battery with a clean cloth at least once a week. Specific DIY (Do It Yourself) tricks involve ingredients like baking soda, water, etc., but try them only if you have good knowledge about the car battery.

Avoid situations that lead to short circuits

Always check that the auto battery is present on the mounting. Driving regularly on roads filled with potholes can loosen the battery, and contact within the engine bay can lead to a short circuit.

This can damage the other electrical components in the car and prove hazardous for the car occupants. So before starting the vehicle, it is essential to check if the battery is tightly secured in its desired location.

Do not turn on electrical equipment without providing ignition

Imagine the load being put on the car battery if the air conditioner/headlights/other electrical components are ON without turning on the ignition! This can reduce the battery's life, and performing these actions over time can damage the battery.

We recommend turning on headlights and other heavy-duty equipment only when the ignition is ON.

Avoid short trips

Long road trips mean the battery has more time to charge as it charges itself when the car is in motion. On the other hand, regular short trips can diminish the battery's life and performance since the battery does not get sufficient time to charge itself.

It is recommended not to keep the car unused for a long time. By doing so, the car battery will naturally discharge and might not recharge as the engine may not turn ON.

Keep a close watch on the water levels

Any car battery requires distilled water so that the acid inside the battery stays at a diluted level. When the water level goes down to a significant level, the acid can concentrate and lead to the battery's corrosion.

To prolong the battery's life, it is important to regularly keep a close watch on the water level inside the battery.

Aftermarket Headlamps

Many regular drivers have a limited understanding of the wattage rating of stock headlamps and aftermarket headlamps. If you have fitted aftermarket headlamps instead of stock headlamps, check the wattage rating to ensure that it is the same as that of the stock headlamps.

In case there is a difference in the wattage rating, it is recommended to install a relay as it would balance the load, which, in turn, improves the life and performance of the battery.

When the auto battery does run out, you should get it replaced by auto-experts from AIS Windshield Experts. You can also opt for door-to-door service to get the replacement of the car battery.