When you’re shopping for a new car, which
features do you pay the most attention to? Most of us judge a car based on its
engine capacity, its fuel efficiency, its size or the level of comfort it
offers.
Few of us, on the other hand, pay much attention to our car’s
battery. As one of the most important parts of any modern vehicle, your car’s
battery manages a massive range of tasks and devices, from starting the engine
to powering in-car computers.
In addition to changing your oil, replacing air filters and other general
service tasks, taking care of your car’s battery is one of the most effective
ways to ensure your car runs smoothly and without any problems.
Flat or damaged batteries are one of the top causes
for roadside assistance
calls, and a huge amount of breakdowns occur because of batteries that are
simply too old for the job they’re performing.
In this guide, we’ll break down the facts regarding your car’s battery and help
you determine when it’s time to choose a replacement. We’ll also share
car-specific tips to help you get the most from your vehicle’s battery and
extend its lifespan.
Batteries can become worn down in as little as three years
Although batteries can last for five years or more when properly
cared for, most car batteries will become worn down and inefficient within three
years of everyday use in normal conditions.
Just like your computer or Smartphone’s battery becomes less efficient with
every charge, your car’s battery gradually
deteriorates every time it’s charged up by the
vehicle’s engine. After three years, it’s normally time to install a
replacement.
After four or five years, most car batteries will be almost
completely unreliable. Old car batteries can present a number of safety and
reliability issues. Luckily, it’s easy to identify if your car’s battery is
nearing the end of its lifespan.
Does your car’s electrical system respond like it should?
Even a car with a highly defective battery will function properly
once it’s running, since much of the charge for the battery will come from the
engine. This makes the best time to test your car’s battery shortly after you
switch your vehicle on.
Your car can still start quickly, even with a failing battery. However, features
that have significant power demands that are powered by the battery, like
headlights, may not function as well as they should.
Try starting your car at night with the headlights switched on. Are they dim?
If the headlights look overly dim, put the vehicle in park or neutral and rev
the engine. If the battery is failing, the headlights will get brighter as you
apply the accelerator.
This is a great way to check if your battery is starting to fail. A completely
broken battery is even easier to spot: when you turn the key in the ignition or
push your car’s ignition switch, it won’t start at all.
The newer your car, the bigger the strain on its battery
As a general rule, the more sophisticated your car’s on-board
computers are, the bigger the strain on its battery. Many new cars have
powerful computers that are operating all the time, even when the vehicle
itself is parked and switched off.
These computers can draw energy from your car’s battery at a slow, steady rate,
wearing it down over time. Although the charge each computer draws is tiny, the
aggregate effect can drain your car’s battery when it sits unused for a long
time.
If you use your car infrequently, avoid letting its battery become drained by
on-board computer systems by taking it for a short drive – around the block
once or twice will do – to recharge its battery every week or two.
Check your battery frequently to avoid breaking down
The next time you take your car into the garage for a routine
service, make sure to ask for its battery to be checked. Battery wear isn’t
always steady – your vehicle’s battery could go from 90% performance to 20%
over the course of a few months.
Testing a battery is easy, and every reputable garage or repair shop will have
its own set of electronic testers on hand to test yours. Regular tests can
reveal when your battery needs to be replaced and help you avoid embarrassing
breakdowns.
If your battery is showing signs of wear and hasn’t been replaced
in two or three years, don’t take any risks. Car batteries are inexpensive, and
the small cost of a replacement is worth it to avoid the stress of a roadside
breakdown.
Cars with stop-start technology may need special batteries
Does your car use stop-start technology to save petrol? Cars with
engines that are designed to automatically switch off when at a standstill
place a greater strain on their batteries than
standard vehicles, and often need to use a special battery.
If your car has stop-start technology and you’re replacing its battery
yourself, make sure you purchase a suitable replacement. Your nearest
automotive shop will stock a battery designed to accommodate your vehicle’s
extra needs.
By the way, if you’re replacing your battery yourself – which is quite simple
on many cars – it’s important that you dispose of it safely. Find your nearest hazardous waste
disposal service and never throw your car battery out with the rest of your
rubbish.
Care for your battery well to extend its lifespan
Just like driving aggressively will wear down your vehicle’s tyres
and brakes, driving without thinking about your battery will reduce its
lifespan. If you take good care of your battery, you’ll be able to get far more
life out of it than usual.
Do you want to extend your car battery’s lifespan? Use the following tips to
get the most out of your car battery and extend its functional lifespan beyond
the standard three-year mark:
• Service your car frequently to prevent an inefficient engine and other
vehicle components from straining the battery
• Never leave your lights or air conditioning on while your vehicle is switched
off, as they’ll drain the battery
• Drive your car frequently (at least once every week) to prevent
the battery from becoming too drained
• Check your battery after you’ve driven off road or on a bumpy road, as the
impacts can loosen its connections
• Make sure your car battery’s terminals and casings are kept clean and free of
dirt, dust and grit
Is it time to replace your car’s battery?
When was the last time you replaced your car’s battery? Whether
your car works as new or its lights and other electronic devices are starting
to show signs of age, there is no bad time to check your battery’s condition.
Changing your car’s battery every 2-3 years will keep it running at its best
and help you avoid embarrassing roadside or car park breakdowns. Is it time to
replace your car’s battery?
