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A car’s battery is an important component. From regular inspection to simple precautions, you can prevent battery drain or damage for a long time. It’s recommended that car owners regularly get their car’s battery checked at a nearby workshop. On average, your car’s battery can last between 4 to 5 years. However, it also depends on the weather of the place you reside in. If you experience more cold weather than hot, your car’s batteries will last about 3 to 5 years. On the other hand, in hotter weather conditions, the number usually comes down to 3 years. 

At BCS Prestige, we understand your car’s battery health and how it may be affected if not checked regularly. We use computer-generated diagnostics to identify issues with your vehicle, and our prestige-car-trained mechanics are well-equipped to handle all vehicle-related problems. We are your local Melbourne-based workshop and apt for your car battery replacement near you. 

Let’s understand more about car battery health and ways to extend its overall life. 

Understanding car batteries

Here are some important points to understand about car batteries:

1. Car batteries are rechargeable devices that store electrical energy and supply it to different parts of your vehicle to pump power.

2. Typically, car batteries have a voltage rating of 12 volts, which is crucial for starting the engine and powering electrical systems.

3. Battery capacity is measured in ampere-hours (Ah), indicating how much charge the battery can deliver over time.

4. Most car batteries consist of lead plates submerged in an electrolyte solution, often a mix of sulfuric acid and distilled water.

5. Your vehicle's alternator recharges the battery while the engine is running.     

Common causes of battery health deterioration

Here are some main reasons why car batteries fail and how to make car batteries last longer.

1. As stated earlier, car batteries usually last about 3-5 years. As they get older, they can't hold a charge as well and eventually stop working.

2. Hot summers and cold winters can both affect batteries. High heat speeds up the battery's chemical reactions, while cold increases resistance.

3. Not taking care of your battery, like cleaning the terminals or checking fluid levels, can cause corrosion and weak electrical connections, making the battery perform poorly.

4. If a charging system is broken or you use a charger inappropriately or incorrectly, it can give too much power to the battery, damaging it.

5. If you don't charge your battery enough, it slowly loses power because you only take short trips.

6. Leaving lights or other car electronics on when the engine is off can drain the battery.

7. A bad alternator or voltage regulator can stop the battery from getting a proper charge, making it fail sooner.

8. Some electrical parts or extra installations might use battery power even when the car is off, causing the battery to lose power slowly.

9. Too much shaking from bumpy roads or bad battery installation can loosen the battery's parts, affecting how well it works.

10. Sometimes, a battery has problems from when it was made, like bad connections or weak plates, causing it to fail early.

Knowing these reasons can help you take better care of your battery. Regular maintenance, charging it correctly and fixing any electrical problems quickly can ensure your car’s battery stays strong and lasts longer.

Read More: 4 Benefits of Hiring a Certified European Car mechanic

10 Tips to help your car batteries last longer

Here are ten simple tips to help your car battery last longer:

• Use power-consuming components with consideration:

Be mindful of using features like heated seats or bright headlights too much, as they can drain the battery.

• Disconnect battery cables:

If you don't drive your car for a while, disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent any power drain.

• Use a battery maintainer:

Invest in a good battery maintainer to keep your battery charged during long periods of inactivity.

• Start the engine regularly:

Even if you're not driving, start the engine for a few minutes weekly to keep the battery charged.

• Limit short trips:

Short drives don't fully recharge the battery, so try to combine errands or take longer drives occasionally.

• Turn off electrical accessories:

Before turning off the engine, ensure all accessories like lights and the radio are off to save battery power.

• Keep battery terminals clean:

Check the battery terminals for corrosion regularly and clean them with baking soda and water if needed.

• Avoid extreme temperatures:

Extreme heat or cold can affect battery performance, so park your car in a garage or use a cover.

• Check battery fluid levels:

If your battery needs maintenance, check the fluid levels regularly and top up with distilled water when necessary.

• Get regular vehicle servicing:

Regular maintenance ensures that your car's charging system is working correctly, which helps keep the battery healthy.

Other related tips

Here are some more tips and tricks to help your car battery last longer:

1. Use good quality oil instead of grease on cables, clamps, and terminals to prevent corrosion.

2. If the electrolyte level drops, add demineralised water to maintain it at the correct level.

3. Consider upgrading to a Bosch 12V, AGM, or SLI battery for superior performance and reliability in bikes, cars, and commercial vehicles.

Take Away

In summary, following these easy but powerful tips can help you make your car battery last longer and avoid the hassle of a dead battery. Remember, taking care of your battery means regular checkups, charging it correctly, and understanding its requirements.

Just as we care for our health by eating right and exercising, our car batteries also need some love and attention. So, park in shady spots, disconnect when necessary, and use a trickle charger to boost your battery.

These steps ensure your battery stays healthy and your rides remain smooth. Whether you drive a BMW, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Volvo, Citroen, Audi, Land Rover, Saab, Peugeot, or any other brand, our expert European car mechanics in Melbourne are here to help with battery replacements and maintenance. Reach out to us today for more information!