Car servicing: 7 Tips for better battery health

The 12 volt battery in your car is one of the most important components on board your vehicle. Car batteries not only provide electrical power to your vehicle but are also responsible for powering the starter motor that gets your engine going.

No matter the weather, your cars battery is working tirelessly to keep your vehicle on the road and to keep you comfortable. It's not until batteries go wrong that we really realise just how much we rely on them for our motoring experience.

In this blog we will give you a few tips on how to make sure your battery doesn't run flat.

Avoid regular short trips:

Frequent short trips can prevent your cars  battery from fully charging which leads to a gradual decline in battery health over time. If possible you should aim to drive your car for at least 20 minutes so that the battery has a chance to regenerate.       

Keep the terminals clean: 

Over time, corrosion can accumulate on the battery terminals, hindering the flow of electricity. As part of your car maintenance routine make sure to check your battery terminals and ensure that the cables are securely connected. If the terminals are corroded you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to clear the corrosion.

Use electronics Wisely: 

Limit the use of electronic accessories (such as lights, radio, or heating/cooling systems) when the cars engine is off.  Excessive use of electronics without the engine running can drain the battery and contribute to premature wear. Many people have experienced the frustration of a flat battery after being parked up with the radio on for too long.

Keep it cool: 

Contrary to popular belief, the summer can be just as taxing on your car battery as the winter. This is because extreme heat (30 degrees and above) can lead to your car battery draining  prematurely, This doesn't often become apparent until your battery needs to work harder in the winter months to crank over your engine. In hot weather you should park in shaded areas where possible to keep your battery cool for longer.

Invest in a quality Battery Charger:

If you don't use your vehicle regularly or plan to leave it parked for an extended period, consider investing in a quality battery charger. This device can help maintain the charge in your battery and prevent it from discharging completely. This can be a good investment as it will save you on having to jump start your car when you really need to get on the road.

Check for Parasitic Drains: 

Some vehicles may have electrical components that draw power even when the engine is off, leading to a parasitic drain on the battery. If you notice your battery frequently needs a jump start, have a professional car service centre check for and     eliminate any parasitic drains.  

Replace before it fails: 

No matter how much care you take of your car battery, they do have a shelf life and will eventually fail. To prevent this from happening it can be a good idea to replace your car battery every 3-5 years depending on the make and model of your car.

If you have any concerns about your battery or need any advice on vehicle repairs you can contact us at E&J Jarvis car service & repair centre on 02380 229 297 and we will be happy to help!