Car batteries are a pretty important part of every car out there. But, if there’s one thing anyone wants to avoid, it’s their batteries dying on them. However, it’s important to know what drains these batteries. Knowing so will help you get the most out of them…
Car Batteries: Why They Die
Life expectancy
Car batteries, all things considered, actually have a pretty long life expectancy. On average, most car batteries tend to last for about 3-5 years. However, there are a few factors which can cut this expectancy a bit short. The most common ones are weather and driving habits.
Extreme heat and extreme cold can both have adverse effects on your car’s battery. The heat or cold can mess up the internals of the battery, preventing it from holding a charge. Also, constant short trips (around the 20 minute range) also can hurt your battery, as your alternator won’t have time to fully recharge it.
Signs of your battery dying
Older car batteries tend to give a few warning signs when they’re dying. Spotting these signs can help you recognize when it might be time to get a new one. Some common signs are your headlights appearing dimmer, your engine struggling to turn over, and strange noises from the A/C.
However, there are also some more subtler signs to watch for. For example, you might notice your vents blowing much softer than usual. Or, you encounter a lot of issues with your radio. Even your power windows being sluggish could indicate a problem with your battery.
Boost your battery life
With how pricey some car batteries can be, it makes sense that you’d want to get the most out of them. As it turns out, there are a few extra things you can do to boost your battery’s life. Most of it comes down to good maintenance and proper usage.
For starters, try to avoid using any of your car’s electrical accessories when the car itself isn’t on. Also, keep the positive and negative terminals free of corrosion buildup. Plus, simply driving for a bit longer also help. If you can, it might not hurt to take the longer route every now and again.