The Secret to a Long Battery Life
The function of the battery is to help start the engine of a vehicle. Because without a battery, the car engine cannot start. For your information, the average car battery can last between 3 to 5 years. Here are some tips to extend the life of your car battery.
1. Turn Off Electrical Loads When Starting the Car
Before starting the engine, first turn off the electrical loads, such as lights, audio, and AC to reduce the load on the battery. When starting the engine, the starter requires a very large current from the battery. Various devices left on will not only drain the car battery but also risk damaging the car's electrical system.
2. Regularly Warm Up the Car to Keep the Battery Charged
Do not let your car battery run dry (without electrical power). If you regularly warm up the car even when not in use, it is good for keeping the battery charged. In addition to warming up the vehicle's engine, this aims to recharge the battery so that the car battery does not drop when it is to be used again.
3. Check the Condition of the Battery Terminals
Check the condition of the battery terminals periodically for rust and white crust. The white crust on the battery terminals can shorten the battery's lifespan. The way to clean it is easy, namely using a wire brush to remove rust. Then, apply grease to the battery terminals to prevent rust. To clean the white crust, use hot water.
Pour it over the battery terminals with white crust until the white crust falls off. Use a wire brush if necessary, then wipe with a cloth to dry the wet surface. If you don't have time to clean it yourself, make sure the mechanic at your trusted workshop checks and cleans the battery terminals regularly.
4. Regularly Tune Up the Car Battery
An alternative way to maintain the battery is to frequently perform regular tune-ups. During a tune-up, the car battery will be checked starting from the electrolyte level, terminal condition, and so on. Essentially, your car battery will be maintained so that it lasts longer.
Read also: Five Types of Car Batteries You Must Know
