Did you know that a car battery typically lasts three to five years?
Today is the day. You have planned a big trip for weeks, and you are finally ready to hit the road. You load up the car with everything you need for the journey. Then right when you are about to head out, you realize that your car battery is dead. Again. Why does it seem like your car battery keeps dying, no matter how often you get it serviced? And what can you do to prevent it from happening again in the future?
Want to learn more about car batteries and how to prevent them from dying? Read on to find out!
Faulty Wiring
A dying car battery is often the result of faulty wiring. It would surprise you how often the battery will drain due to a loose connection or poor insulation.
Have you had your car for a while? If so, it is probably time to check the wiring and connections to see if they are still in good condition.
One way to test your car's battery is to use a multimeter. Ensure the multimeter is set to the correct setting and attach the leads to the battery. The dial should be set to 20 volts for checking a car battery.
If the multimeter reads 12.6 or higher, your battery is fine. If it reads 12.5 or lower, your battery is dying.
Corroded Battery Terminals
Corroded battery terminals can cause all sorts of problems with your car. If you have a corroded battery terminal, it's essential to clean it as soon as possible. Corroded battery terminals can cause your vehicle to:
Not start
Start slowly
Stalls
Dead battery
What do you do if you have a corroded battery terminal? You can clean it with the following:
Baking soda
Water
A toothbrush
Vinegar
A wire brush
First, remove the battery terminal covers and clean the terminals. You can do this with baking soda and water. Then use a toothbrush to scrub the terminals.
After scrubbing, rinse the terminals with vinegar and water. Next, use a wire brush to remove any remaining corrosion. Then clean the terminals with a cloth.
After that, replace the battery terminal covers. Finally, test your car to see if the problem is gone.
If you have a corroded battery terminal, cleaning it should be a priority. Otherwise, you could develop severe problems with your car.
Using Too Many Electronics in the Car
While this might seem obvious, using too many electronics in the car can cause problems. The electrical system in a vehicle is only designed to handle so much.
If you use the electronics in your car too much, you could overload the system and cause problems. Some of the problems that occur while using too many electronics in the car include:
Slow starting
Dim lights
Dead battery
Car stalls
To avoid these problems, it's essential to only use the electronics you need while driving. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Car Battery Keeps Dying Unraveled
Now you know why your car battery keeps dying. Time to act and get that problem fixed!
Some of the problems are easy to fix, like making sure your lights are off when you park. Others, like a bad alternator, might need the help of a professional. Either way, it's essential to get to the bottom of the issue so you can keep your car battery healthy and happy.
Do you still have questions about batteries? Contact us anytime, and we'll be happy to help!