How to Take Charge of Your Car Battery

December 1, 2022

With this colder weather, your Car Battery is going to need a little extra care. Here are some tips on how to keep your Battery alive this winter.

How long do Car Batteries last?

Your Car Battery won't last forever, no matter how well you take care of it. On average, Car Batteries can last up to 5 years.

But certain conditions can affect the lifespan of your Battery. For example, keeping your vehicle in storage for a long time or running appliances while the car is idle.

How can I make my Battery last as long as possible?

To make sure your Battery makes it to 5 years, you can take the following steps:

Test Your Battery Routinely Having your Battery tested will help you determine when it needs replacing. When it reaches around 3 years old, consider having it tested. Some good times are during oil changes and at the end of each season.
Keep Corrosion Off Check the Battery terminals and be sure the Battery is clean. A clean Battery won't generate corrosion and rust anywhere as fast as a neglected Battery.
Don't Overuse Your Car's Appliances If you are in the habit of charging your phone or listening to the radio when the car is idle, it's time to make some changes! Using items like portable chargers and speakers can help you preserve Battery life.

Again, no matter how well you maintain your Car Battery, do not exceed 5 years. After 5 years, your Battery has a high chance of failing, sometimes without warning.

My Battery won't hold a charge!

Do you have to keep charging your Car Battery? Or do you find that your Battery isn't holding a charge as long as it used to? Don't ignore it. These are signs of a bigger problem that, left unattended, can ruin your Battery beyond repair.

If you're wondering, "Why won't my Battery stay charged?" one possibility could be your Alternator.

When an Alternator starts acting up, it can cause fast discharges or overcharges.

If the Car Battery keeps getting overcharged, the Battery can leak and eventually die.

If it stops charging the Battery, the ignition and electrical systems have to pick up the slack. This will drain the Battery faster. If your car's Battery Light comes on, it means your Battery isn't charging.

Usually, if an Alternator issue gets fixed early enough, you won't have to replace the Battery.

There are, of course, other reasons why a Battery won't hold a charge. To know for sure, have your Car Battery looked at by a trustworthy technician.

What Should I Do If My Car Battery Dies?

Always keep a set of jumper cables in your car in case you or someone you know ends up with a Dead Battery.
Have a look at this guide on How to Jumpstart a Car:

How To Jumpstart A Car Battery , Quality Automotive, Blairstown, NJ, 07825

If you do not have jumper cables or can't jumpstart your Battery, have your car brought to a local shop with a tow truck.

Quality Automotive can quickly test your Battery to ensure everything is running properly. Call 908-362-9555 to make your appointment today.

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