Car batteries are an essential component of any vehicle. Batteries provide the plugin your vehicle requires to keep rolling, from starting your car to charging your phone on the go. It’s why it’s critical to understand when it’s time to replace your car battery, and what you could do to extend its life.

Car batteries typically last between 3 – 5 years. If you want to prevent replacing yours then after 1 or 2 two years, on this are 6 simple techniques to help it again last longer.

1. Check the voltage of your battery on a regular basis.

Consciously monitoring your batteries could prevent you from a malfunction or battery failure before driving. Skilled mechanics could do a battery test on you, but there is also an at-home gadget accessible if you really need to complete a test in between auto maintenance.

The voltmeter is the simplest way of testing the voltage of your battery. When it comes to voltmeters, digital voltmeters are most user-friendly. Do the volt testing your car has been shut off for most measuring. Begin by attaching the positive voltmeter wire to your battery’s positive terminal and then repeat with the negative wire. After that, you’ll have a voltage reading.

A completely charged battery should have a voltage measurement of around 12.4 to 12.8 volts. When your voltage reading drops in these ranges, your battery will most likely need to be checked by a mechanic.

2. Never leave your car alone for an extended amount of time.

The battery won’t have enough time to recharge if your car isn’t used for days at a period (or it’s only used for small trips). If feasible, take your car outside for a short drive as most every week to heat up the engine and circulate all fluids in your car.

If you’re not using your car for several weeks, it’s likely that your car battery will have to be recharged once you do. It’s advisable to make ensure it’s properly charged and that the electrolyte levels are right. Maybe in doubt, ask for help from the car mechanic.

3. Keep your battery clean on a regular basis

On a car battery, dust, dirt, or moisture can induce leakage over the battery case, causing a short circuit and possibly flatting the battery. With such a brush and a dry washcloth, you can easily remove the surface filth. To avoid build-up, do it at least once per month.

Oxidation of battery terminals or battery lead clamps is regrettably common. Because corrosion on terminals and lead clamps can obstruct the flow of energy through the battery, it’s critical to eliminate any filth or build-up to maintain your battery’s life and efficiency. If necessary, have your mechanic clean the terminals when repairing your vehicle.

4. Electronic devices should not be used when your car’s engine is not running:

The battery can be depleted by leaving your headlights and/or interior lights on, or by turning on the ignition to operate the infotainment system without starting the engine. Because your car’s alternator is turned off when the engine is turned off, electrical accessories get electricity from the battery instead.

To avoid that, make it a practice to verify that everything is turned off, especially your lights, every time you depart your car. Also, remember to lock your car before leaving it. It isn’t only for safety; if you leave your car unlocked, your car’s computer system may still be functioning, consuming your battery without realizing it.

5. When you leave, turn out all the lights:

Leaving your headlights and car door lights on accidentally can drain your vehicle’s battery. Post a reminder on your dashboard, attach a sticker notice on your car remote, or park in a position where you must walk by your headlights to go to your destination to avoid forgetting.

6. Maintain your vehicle by having it maintained on a regular basis:

It’s a good idea to get your car battery professionally examined to avoid an unexpected breakdown. Request that your battery be checked during your next auto service to ensure that it is in excellent working order and that it is charging properly.