Tips to Extend the Life of Your Battery

Whether you turn a key or push a button, few things will make a heart sink faster than the sound of a dead car battery when you need to be somewhere. You know the one…click. Or worse…dead silence.

Vehicle batteries typically last 4-6 years, but factors like weather, corrosion, and even how you drive can all affect battery life. The good news is there are several ways to help keep your battery in good condition.

Regular Battery Maintenance

Keeping up on battery maintenance includes making sure that all the connections are clean and tight. Some manufacturers recommend a preventative corrosion spray for the posts. Pro Tip: Mix baking soda and water to the consistency of toothpaste, clean the battery with the mix and a non-metal brush, rinse well with cool water, and then dry the battery thoroughly.

Nix the Drain

Accessories can wreak havoc on the battery power, so be sure they are off when not needed.

Windshield wipers.
Interior lights (visor light, rear reading lights, glovebox.)
Heater or radio with engine off.
Aftermarket stereo systems can sometimes be poorly installed and lead to battery drain.
Disconnect accessories you don’t use, such as LED strip lights or dashcams.

Run the Engine Regularly

Just like us, our vehicle’s engine can use regular exercise. Leaving it unused in the garage for weeks on end can drain the battery. Be sure to take it out for a drive to give the battery an opportunity to recharge. Make sure to take longer trips from time to time to give the alternator a chance to charge the battery fully. If you know you will leave the car sitting for a few weeks while you sit in the sun, consider an automatic battery charger to ensure the battery will be operational when needed.

Get Your Battery Tested

This one is easy enough. When you bring your car in for routine maintenance, ask for a battery test. A test can help you know how strong your battery is and when you can expect to replace it. You can also use a multimeter to test it yourself. Here’s how: Set your multimeter to direct current voltage. Place the black negative pin to the negative battery terminal and the red positive one to the positive one. The voltage should read 12.6 volts for a healthy battery. If it’s lower, it may need recharging or replacement. If it’s higher, it may have a surface charge. Turn the headlamps on for 10 seconds and then retest.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Severe heat or cold can affect the battery thermal management system and increase energy use to maintain optimal temperature. Try to park your car in a more temperate location.

If you see visible signs of damage or bulging in your battery or if it’s not holding a charge, it may be time to replace it.

One more tip: keep jumper cables in your car, just in case.