Have you ever experienced a dead car battery?

With luck, you were at home, and a jump-start or call to AAA solved the problem.

But maybe you were in the middle of nowhere, stranded in 100-degree F heat as your mobile phone battery also died.

Keeping your car battery healthy can save you a lot of aggravation.

Here are 10 little things you can do to help your car battery last.

1. Keep the Battery Terminals Clean

Dirt and grime create a path for electrical current to flow away from the battery and slowly drain it.

To prevent this, regularly wipe down your battery terminals with baking soda and water. Clean terminals will give you more starting power.

2. Don’t Leave Your Car Idling

Leaving your car running while not moving can strain and drain the battery.

If you’ve been waiting for someone or something for more than a minute, turn off the engine until you need to start moving again. NOTE: This does NOT include the time you spend waiting at red lights!

3. Avoid Short Trips

Short trips don’t give your car enough time to recharge its battery after starting up.

Try combining errands into one longer trip instead of multiple short ones to help keep your battery charged.

4. Park in a Garage or Shade

Extreme temperatures are brutal on a battery.

On hot days, park in a shaded area to reduce your battery’s heat exposure. In colder regions, parking in a garage can prevent your battery from freezing. If you don’t have a garage, consider using a car cover.

5. Lock Your Doors

Modern cars have computer systems that stay active when doors are unlocked, draining power.

Maybe you live in an ultra-safe neighborhood or park your car in the garage at night. This isn’t about securing your vehicle but limiting unwanted battery discharge.

6. Turn Off All Electronics Before Exiting the Car

The radio, headlights, or interior lights can continue to draw power from the battery even when the engine is off. Remember to turn off all electronics before parking and leaving your vehicle.

7. Drive Your Car Regularly

Good luck keeping most Americans out of their cars. But in the age of telecommuting and DoorDash, some vehicles are sitting much more than they used to.

If your car has been idle for more than a week, start it and drive it for at least 20 minutes. This will help keep the battery charged and prevent potential problems.

8. Buy a Battery Maintainer

Investing in a battery maintainer can prevent future battery problems if you own a classic or rarely used car.

This device keeps your car’s battery charged, ensuring that the car starts when you need it to. It’s a small investment that can save you time and hassle.

9. Check Your Alternator

The alternator recharges your battery while you drive. If it fails, your battery may not get the charge it needs.

If you notice problems starting your car or dimming headlights, have a mechanic check your alternator to ensure it’s okay.

10. Get an Annual Battery Check

As with any other part of your car, regular maintenance can prevent future problems.

Have a professional test your battery’s voltage and overall condition at least once a year as part of your regular service. A mechanic can also check the health of your alternator and charging system.

Additional Tips

  • Keep track of your battery’s age. Most car batteries last between three and five years. If your battery is nearing the end of its lifespan, consider replacing it proactively.
  • Limit power-hungry accessories, such as heated seats or high-powered audio systems, especially when idling or during short trips.
  • If your battery drains quickly, have a professional inspect your vehicle for electrical components that may be drawing power unnecessarily, such as faulty lights or alarms.
  • Research and opt for reputable brands that offer better warranties and longevity than generic batteries.
  • Loose connections can lead to intermittent power supply issues. Periodically check that your battery cables are secure and free of corrosion.

FAQs: Reducing Car Battery Drain

Q: Does leaving a car unlocked drain the battery?

Leaving your car doors unlocked can drain the battery because modern cars have computer systems that stay active when the doors aren’t locked.

Q: How often should I check my battery voltage?

We recommend checking your battery voltage at least once a month. A healthy car battery should measure around 12.6 volts when the engine is off. Use a multimeter to test it.

Q: Can extreme temperatures affect my car battery?

Hot and cold temperatures can wear down your car battery faster. If possible, park in a garage or shaded area to maintain a stable temperature for your battery. Using a car cover can also provide extra protection from extreme temperatures.

Q: Is it okay to jump-start my car battery often?

Frequent jump-starting can indicate an underlying issue with your battery or charging system. If you need to jump-start often, have a professional test your battery.

Q: Can dirt affect a battery’s performance?

Corrosion and grime on battery terminals can create resistance, making it harder for the battery to deliver power. Regularly cleaning the terminals can mitigate this issue.

Q: What signs indicate that my car battery is failing?

Common signs of a failing battery include:

  • A slow engine crank.
  • Dimming headlights.
  • A battery warning light on the dashboard.
  • An unusual smell.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to have your battery checked.

Q: Should I disconnect my battery if I plan to leave my car unused for a long time?

If you plan to leave your car sitting for an extended period, disconnecting the battery can help prevent drainage. However, you may need a code to reset some electronic components when reconnecting the battery.

Q: How can I improve the lifespan of my car battery?

Clean the terminals regularly, avoid short trips, park in moderate temperatures, and perform an annual battery check.

Q: What should I do if my battery fluid is low?

If your car battery has removable caps, check the fluid level and top it off with distilled water only when it’s low. Avoid overfilling. If your battery frequently requires water, it may be time for a replacement.

Q: Are there specific driving habits that can extend battery life?

Combining short trips into more extended trips, minimizing idling time, and using fewer electronic accessories while driving can help maintain your battery’s charge.