The average vehicle battery should last about 3 to 5 years. If you would like to keep it in its best condition, follow these 5 tips:
1. Keep it Clean!
Corrosion and grime can build up over time so make sure all the battery terminals are clean – use a toothbrush and a corrosion cleaner to scrub the terminals, then wipe clean.
2. Drive often and limit short trips
Leaving your vehicle parked for days on end or only making short trips won’t give your car’s battery enough time to fully recharge after starting, thereby reducing its voltage over time.
3. Minimise power usage when the engine is off
Turning off the radio, aircon, seat warmers, etc. when the engine is off will reduce wear and tear on the battery; also make sure that all these are turned off when starting your car.
4. Avoid extreme temperatures
Extreme heat weakens the battery while cold leads to higher power usage when starting the engine, so try to avoid both.
5. Test it regularly
It’s recommended that you check your car battery’s voltage about every month to check if it’s still in good condition or if it is in need of a charge.