Long-Term Care: How to Avoid the Common Causes of Battery Failure
On average, car batteries last between three and five years, but this can vary quite a bit.There are certain things that can cause a battery to fail much faster than this. At the same time, there are things you can do to prolong it's lifespan. Knowing what these are will help you get the most out of your car battery.In this guide, we'll explore some of the main causes of battery failure along with what you can do to avoid it. Keep reading for more.
Common Causes of Battery Failure
Age is the main cause of battery failure, and this is unfortunately something that can't be avoided. If you've had a battery for more than three years, it may be staying to degrade.Taking frequent, short drives can wear at a battery. The alternator won't have sufficient time to fully recharge the it, and over time this will reduce its maximum capacity.Corrosion on the battery terminals will cause charging/discharging issues. This comes from a chemical reaction between the battery acid and the terminals.Extreme temperatures are detrimental to batteries. Cold temperatures can slow the chemical reactions that take place within the battery. High temperatures can make the battery fluid evaporate.There are plenty of car electronics that rely on the battery. This includes things like lights, radios, air conditioning, and other electrical devices. If these get left on while the car is off, they can drain the battery.
How to Avoid Battery Failure
One of the key things to do to avoid battery failure is to perform regular battery checks. Corrosion is often easy to spot, so you'll be able to see if any is appearing. Cleaning a car battery can remove corrosion to ensure it can charge and discharge properly.You should avoid short dives if possible. If you have to do them quite often, you may want to consider getting a charger to keep your battery in good shape.Some batteries allow you to refill the fluid manually. If yours is like this, you should check it from time to time. If it's low, refill it with distilled water.The climate can be an issue. If you live (or regularly visit) somewhere with extreme temperatures, an insulated battery blanket can protect your battery.Make sure you turn off all electrical devices when you've finished using your car. Some modern vehicles have a 'battery saver' function, so put this on if you have it.Electrical wiring issues can sometimes drain the battery even if you've turned all electrical devices off. This is something that a professional mechanic will be able to perform a car electronic diagnostics test to detect and rectify such an issue.
What to Do if Your Battery Fails
Even if you take all the right precautions, eventual battery failure is inevitable. A professional auto service company can replace your battery and help with any other vehicle issues you're having.Day Heights Auto Service has been providing reliable automotive repair services throughout Milford, OH, and the surrounding areas since 1982. If you're having any vehicle issues, schedule an appointment with us today.