How Long Does a Car Battery Last? Here Are Tips to Make It Durable!
The lifespan of a car battery is something that all car owners need to know because this component supplies electrical flow to the electrical system and components that require electrical flow. If the battery is dead, it is certain that the function of the car's electrical system will be disrupted, which can lead to damage to car components. So how long can a battery last? For more details, please pay attention to the following review.
How Long Does a Car Battery Last?
Like other components, a battery also has a lifespan limit. The lifespan of a car battery actually depends on the use of the car. Based on the lifespan indicated on the battery box or manufacturer’s instructions, on average, a battery has a lifespan of about 2 to 5 years. This long lifespan sometimes makes owners forget to replace the battery according to the specified usage limit.
For normal usage, a battery can last between 1 to 3 years. However, there are certain conditions that require the battery to be replaced immediately, such as when the car is difficult to start even though the electrical flow to the starter is present, the starter sounds weak, the car lights are dim, or the car's acceleration is sluggish.
Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Car Battery
After knowing the lifespan or usage limit of a car battery, you also need to know tips on maintaining your car battery to make it last longer. Here are the complete tips.
1. Check the battery regularly
The first step to ensure a long battery life is to check the battery condition regularly. Make sure the battery casing is not cracked during inspection. Also, ensure there are no frayed cables, rust on the terminals, and that the terminal seals are not brittle. If the terminals are already rusty, you can remove the rust using sandpaper. Don’t forget to check the battery voltage. A good and normal battery condition has a voltage of 12.6 volts to 12.8 volts.
2. Check the battery water level
In addition to checking the physical condition and voltage of the battery, you also need to check the battery water level. Ensure the battery water is at a full level. If the water level is low, add battery water according to the specified threshold.
3. Warm up the car engine regularly
Warming up the car engine regularly for 10 minutes every day, whether the car will be used or not, is one way to maintain the battery for longevity.
4. Avoid excessive use of entertainment features or accessories
To ensure the battery lasts, you should also limit the use of entertainment features or car accessories that consume electrical power, such as sound systems or air conditioning.
5. Turn off unnecessary electrical devices
When the car is no longer in use, you need to turn off all electrical devices in the car, such as the monitor screen, sound system, lights, or air conditioning, before turning off the car engine. This can help extend the battery's lifespan. If you do not plan to use the car for several days, it is advisable to disconnect the battery cables to prevent the battery from dying.
6. Choose a battery that matches the car specifications
As is known, batteries are divided into two types, namely wet batteries and dry batteries. A wet battery is a type that needs to have battery water added. Meanwhile, a dry battery is a type that has a denser liquid compared to a wet battery. The liquid in a dry battery resembles gel. The liquid in a dry battery does not require refilling.
Read Also : Tips for Choosing a Durable Battery Based on Its Cell Material
To ensure your car battery lasts, make sure you use a type of battery that matches the specifications of your car manufacturer.
If your car battery is already dead, immediately recharge or replace the battery at the nearest Daihatsu authorized workshop.
