Here’s how to make sure your car battery lasts as long as possible

Replacing a broken battery is an expensive proposition. Although the battery will eventually die – the average car battery lasts about four to six years – fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your car’s battery in as good a condition as possible.

Drive long distances regularly

It’s good for your battery if you regularly drive long distances. According to Motor Trade Association, driving short stretches regularly can actually cause your battery to reach its end of life sooner. Car batteries recharge when you drive them for long stretches. When you drive eight hours, it is fully charged. It does not mean that you should drive eight hours right now, but it is good to make sure that you do not just drive short distances.

Keep the battery from getting too hot or too cold

Not everyone has the luxury of putting their car in the garage all the time, but it can give your battery a helping hand in hot temperatures in the summer or freezing temperatures in the winter. Your car battery can handle most temperatures, but heat can cause battery fluid to evaporate, which can be problematic when charging the battery. Cold temperatures, in turn, can cause the battery to drain.

Keep your battery properly cleaned

It is important to raise the hood every now and then to take a look at your battery. Check the battery for signs of corrosion, or white powder around the terminals of the battery. Is this the case? Then use some water and baking soda to remove it with a cloth, advises Reader’s Digest. In any case, do not use a metal brush. Note that corrosion actually already means you need a new battery. Keeping it clean may help your battery last a little longer, but it will probably be time for a new one soon.

Invest in a trickle charger

You can connect a trickle charger to your car’s battery. The charger ensures that the battery is charged or stays charged. This prevents your battery from draining. This is especially recommended for people who do not use the car very often. Leaving your car idle for a long time can drain the battery, but the trickle charger prevents this shortcoming.

Source: Reader’s Digest, Motor Trade Association |Image:: W O L F ? R T ® (Pexels)