When your car won't start, it's often because of a dead battery. When a jump-start fails, and diagnostic tests at the auto repair shop show that the battery is at the end of its life, it's time for a new one. The new battery should last four to five years, with no maintenance. But you can't take it for granted. The charge may deplete at any time, leaving you unable to use your car.
Here are some tips to help you keep your battery charged:
Plan your journeys
A short daily work or school commute, or a series of stop-start journeys, will not allow your battery to charge fully. Longer journeys will enable the battery to charge, but such trips may be pointless and time-consuming. Extra fuel burned means increased emissions and cost, too.
Instead, take longer trips by combining journeys. For example:
Don't use unnecessary accessories
With their electronic devices, today's vehicles put much strain on batteries. Even when resting, engine systems are drawing current. Many cars also have stop-start engines, which cut out when the car is stationary (e.g. at traffic lights) to save fuel. Then there are the devices, such as lights, wipers, air conditioning, stereos and sat navs.
Only use what you need. If you know the way to your destination, turn off the sat nav. In mild weather, cut out the air conditioning. This will reduce the demand on your battery.
Be aware of the weather
Extreme heat speeds up the chemical reaction occurring within the battery cells, and can cut down the battery life.
There's nothing you can do about the weather, but you can plan ahead. If your battery is a couple of years old and you're in the middle of a hot summer, get the battery tested at the garage and replace it if required.
Buy a charger
It's not always possible for people to lengthen their journeys or reduce their use of electronic gadgets. If so, the battery can be kept topped up with a charger.
There are various models available to suit vehicles of different sizes, but all perform the same function: when the charger is switched on and connected to the battery's terminals, it restores the battery to full charge. For added convenience, this can be done overnight.
For more information, contact an auto electrician like Riverton Auto Electrics.
Share27 January 2015
Hey! My name is Damian and this blog contains some very important information about caring for and protecting your auto. I am not an automotive expert but I do have some experiences which have taught me some important lessons. When I bought a new car a couple of years ago, I was so happy. However, that happiness turned to anger when someone broke into my car. They didn't manage to drive it away but I was super mad. My friend who works in an auto shop recommended that I buy some accessories to improve the security of my car. He also gave me some great tips on how I could keep my car secure.