Ways to Keep Your Car Battery Healthy

A car battery is, perhaps, the most critical component of a vehicle without which a car is as good as a stationary object. It is responsible for the storage and flow of electric current required for ignition. Therefore, it is crucial to know when to look for a battery replacement and how you can maintain your current battery. Battery upkeep is just as important as the cleaning and maintenance of the external car parts.

In India, batteries usually last for three to five years because of the prevalence of hot and dry weather that causes batteries to wear out quickly. However, with the right tips and tricks, you can maintain your car battery and ensure a long and functional life for your car’s battery. General maintenance and care of a battery can ensure that your vehicle does not breakdown or suffer from electrolyte leakage.

The battery gets continuously charged by the alternator when the car is running, but if the vehicle sits idle for a few days, then the battery can quickly get drained. Here are some steps you can follow to keep your car's battery healthy and functional.

Drive Your Car Regularly

As your car sits idle, the battery gradually drains, and over time it can get discharged below the minimum requirement for starting the engine. This can create significant problems during an emergency as the car would require a jumpstart and recharging the battery would take a long time.

To prevent this from happening, car owners should ensure that their car does not sit idle for days on end. Take your car out for a 30-40 minute drive once in every few days if it is not being used regularly to ensure that the battery remains charged and in use. A minimum of 30 minutes is advisable as shorter rides prevent the battery from charging completely and thus, the risk of it getting discharged remains high.

Keep the Battery Clean

Over time, the battery can get coated with dust particles which can lead to electrolyte drainage. The terminals may also corrode over time, so it is necessary to open the hood and carefully clean the battery with a brush or small cloth.

The terminals can be kept safe from corrosion by scrubbing them with a mixture of water and baking soda. After this, you can remove the liquid by wiping the battery with a clean cloth.

While carrying out this procedure, make sure to take all safety precautions like wearing protective gloves and removing all jewellery.

Make Sure All Lights are Off When You Exit

Often, people forget to turn off the headlights, taillights, and interior lights when exiting the car in a hurry. However, this carelessness can cost you heavily as the battery can quickly drain if these lights are kept on even overnight. To minimise battery usage, make sure that all the lights and internal systems are turned off when you leave the car. Make it a habit to double-check for the same.

Check Distilled Water Levels Regularly

Nowadays, most people prefer to buy a battery which is sealed and does not require regular filling of distilled water. But if you have an unsealed battery, then make it a point to check if your battery is in need of distilled water or not. This is particularly important due to summers as the heating caused by the engine in addition to the hot weather can speed up the evaporation of liquids. This, in turn, can damage the battery cells due to overheating. Thus, make sure you carry a bottle of distilled water and refill the battery whenever deemed necessary.

Keep the Battery Well-Insulated

Using an insulation jacket, you can protect your battery from extreme cold and heat and make sure that the battery sits in the optimal temperature required to function properly. Such insulating covers provide a layer of protection to the battery and expand its lifespan.

Final Thoughts

By following these simple steps, you can protect your battery from an untimely demise and keep your car running smoothly for many years to come. Taking care of your battery also prevents car breakdown and saves a lot of money. However, it is also crucial to know when to stop tending for an old battery and replace it with a new one. Old batteries can not only cause problems like slow ignition time and breakdowns but can also damage your vehicle in the long run.

If you are looking to buy a new battery or replace your old one, turn to AIS Windshield Experts, India’s top automotive-care provider. We offer a host of batteries for a range of vehicles along with all-round support, doorstep installation and post-installation services. You can even schedule an appointment for a battery check and replacement online. So, stop searching for ‘car battery shop near me’ and get in touch with us today to know more!