Top Tips for Caring for Your Car Battery

When you talk about your car battery health, it is vital to understand that negligence is going to cost you a lot of money in the long run. Like a plethora of other parts and components of your car, the battery of your vehicle requires adequate care and maintenance. That is if you want it to last as much as it can.

There are just so many things that people take for granted when it comes to car battery functionality, for example, leaving the lights on, using electronics when the car is idle, etc. There are a lot of different factors that can quickly diminish your battery life, that end up costing you hundreds of dollars every year or so.

In light of this, mentioned below are some really simple, effective and money-saving tips you can implement to keep your battery as functional as possible.

Making Sure the Battery is Clean

One of the most neglected factors when it comes to battery health in cars is the fact that people rarely clean the terminals. For a smooth and uninterrupted power supply to the rest of the car, it is essential that the terminals are kept free from grime and dust accumulation. If the connectors and terminals are dirty, the power generated will leak out and be wasted.

Disconnect the Battery When Not In Use

When it comes to 24hrs car battery maintenance, one of the most important factors to remember is taking the negative connector out of the terminal of your battery when you know you do not have to drive the car for a good week or two. What this does is ensure there is zero loss of charge because when the car is idle, and if the battery is still connected, it will keep on powering the passive electrical components in the car, such as the clock, etc.

Take Your Car for an Occasional Ride

This applies for secondary cars people often have in their household. If you do not drive a car that much, it is still important to keep the battery actively functional by taking the car out for a ride around the block every now and then. That is primarily because the alternator keeps on charging the battery when you drive. So, if you are of the habit of keeping your car idle most of the time, it is still vital to take it out for short rides.

However, also remember that if you take your car out for a lot of short ride, the alternator will not be able to sufficiently charge the battery, hence the charge will be below the optimal level. And this in turn will shorten the battery life.

Ensure the Battery is Tightly Connected and in Place

Another important thing to remember is ensuring the car battery is securely fastened into place. A loosely fit battery will keep on shaking and vibrating – and that can cause internal electrical damage and short circuits. No matter how smooth your rides are, running the car over an occasional pothole or two can loosen the battery. So, before starting your car, pop the hood and check whether the battery is securely in place.

Do Not Forget To Turn Off the Lights

This is a problem we have all faced in some point in our lives, leaving the lights open when we exit the car. It is an honest mistake, but one that will cost you a lot of money because it really shortens the battery life of the car. Even leaving the parking lights on can drain a lot of charge.

Ensure the Terminals are Corrosion-Free

One of the most common problems in car batteries is the fact they corrode over time. While there is nothing you can do to completely avoid corrosion, what you can do is clean the terminals with some baking soda and a toothbrush. This is something that you are going to have to keep doing every other month or so. After cleaning it with baking and soda and water mixture, make sure to dry the terminals first before connecting them.

Testing the Battery

Keep a battery tester handy in the trunk. It is an essential device to help check the life and functionality of your battery. You will be able to evaluate the total output voltage of your car battery and monitor its performance. You will also know when the battery starts to slowly die, so that you can quickly replace it with a new one.

So there you go – the best tips you need to know to keep your battery functioning and in top condition. And if you ever need to car battery installation or replacement, feel free to call Swift Battery Specialist. This is your one-stop 24hrs car battery solution.