5-Step Guide to Prolonging the Life of Your Car Battery

Posted: Jul 21, 2015
Author: Country Town Tire & Auto Service Center

Your car battery actually has a calendar life, which means at some point, whether you use it or not, you’ll need to replace it. However, if you find that you need a new one every 1 to 2 years, which is generally too frequent, read the 5-step guide below to help extend the life of your car battery.

1. Before using any of your car accessories, start the engine and drive for a bit to allow the battery to get topped-up by the alternator, which produces an electric current, a by-product of which charges the battery after voltage drops.
2. Inspect the car battery terminals every month for corrosion, and keep them clean.
3. The battery should be secure in its position and free of vibration. Shaking can cause short-circuiting and even damage to your vehicle.
4. Buy a car battery charger to maintain an optimal charge level when you’re not using your car or when you go on vacation.
5. Also get a battery insulation kit, so you can protect it during extreme temperature changes. Usually, these come with new vehicles, but you should be able to find one that’s made specifically for your battery’s compartment. The sleeves are typically made with a thermal resistant/acid resistant material to allow the car battery to breathe.

At Country Town Tire & Auto Service Center, we are proud to serve many communities in and around Hickory, NC. We specialize in auto repair, premier alignments and replacement tires. We also stock top-brand tires to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. For more info, please contact us.