3 Tips To Keep Your Car Battery From Dying
Posted on: 15 December 2015
There are few things that drivers would rather avoid more than a dead battery while trying to get from one place to the next. But while suffering from a dead battery might seem like an unavoidable nuisance, there are actually a handful of simple things that every driver can do that decreases the chance of getting stuck the next time you head to the supermarket or go on a road trip. So take a look below at just three tips to keep in mind if you want your car battery to last as long as possible.
Clean Your Battery
One of the easiest things you can do to improve the life of your battery is keep it clean. While it's impossible to expect that your battery will always be spotless, a simple cleaning when you notice dirt, grime or corrosion will go a long way. With the car turned off, take a damp washcloth to the battery and get rid of any debris you might see. If corrosion has built up significantly, don't be afraid to mix a bit of baking soda with water and pour it on the battery -- this will allow you to remove almost any buildup within a matter of minutes.
Install Insulation
Batteries that suffer from exposure to the elements have a far shorter shelf-life than ones that maintain a consistent core temperature. So whether you live in a place that experiences bouts of extreme heat or cold, it's best to thoroughly insulate your battery. That said, don't try to insulate your battery with just any material you have lying around the house; take a trip to your local auto parts store and pick up an insulation blanket that will fit snugly around your battery. It should take no more than a few minutes to put in place.
Disconnect the Battery (When Not in Use)
If you're planning on taking a trip for several weeks, one thing that should be at the top of your list before leaving is disconnecting your car battery entirely. Batteries work best when used regularly, and if they are in a garage or other storage place for lengthy periods of time, there is a decent chance they will have died by the time you try to start the car. Disconnecting a car battery is as simple as removing the positive and negative clamps, so it's a more-than-worthwhile process that will extend the life of your battery. Contact a company like Hub Auto Supply for more information on car batteries.
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