Picture this: you’re just about to leave for work. You hop into your car and you’re looking forward to listening to your favourite song during your commute. But your car won’t start when you turn your key over because you’ve got a dead battery. Sound familiar? That’s because a dead battery is one of the most common occurrences experienced by motorists.
While it may be frustrating to discover your car has a dead battery, there are some simple things you can do to care for it and extend its life.
What causes a dead battery?
It’s important to know what affects your battery and causes it to lose its charge. Common causes include leaving your headlights or interior lights on, corrosion, charging system failure, or not running your car for a long period. Short trips can also reduce your car battery’s lifespan, as you’re not driving often or long enough to charge the battery.
Newer cars are controlled by computers that are powered by your car battery. So, if your car isn’t locked using the remote, the computer will remain on standby and continue consuming power, which can drain the battery. Hybrid and electric vehicles also use a 12V battery to power lights, door locks, and the radio, so they’re just as vulnerable to a dead battery.
Several factors determine how long your battery will last, including the weather conditions, your vehicle type, and how you use it. The best way to keep on top of your battery’s condition is to regularly test the battery voltage.
6 ways to extend your car’s battery life
- Check all the lights are off before exiting your vehicle.
- During colder months, keep your car in a covered space or a garage.
- If your vehicle is not going to be used for a long period, remove the negative battery connection. Remember of course to reconnect the terminal before starting the vehicle!
- Schedule a long drive once a month if you’re only using your car for short trips – this will help charge the battery.
- Clean your battery regularly using a sponge or dry cloth to remove grime, dirt, or dampness, which can cause leakage across the battery casing and flatten the battery.
- Consider getting a battery charger if you don’t use your car regularly, so you can charge the battery at home. Make sure to choose a charger specific to your car battery’s needs. It’s also advisable to charge batteries in a well-ventilated area as they can give off poisonous gases.
How to tell if you need a new battery
Batteries should last four to five years. The main sign you need to replace your car battery is when it’s slow, sluggish, or needs a few turns of the motor to start. Another sign to look out for is excess corrosion around the battery terminal. If you’re not sure when it was last replaced, get a mechanic to check the health of your battery. They can advise on when it should be replaced.
Disposing of your car battery
It’s illegal to throw out your car battery with household waste because it contains lead and acid. Get in touch with your local garage, parts retailer, or recycling centre, as they may take it off your hands – sometimes for a small fee. If the battery is still in reasonable condition, it can be reconditioned for further use, or the components can be repurposed for other uses.