How to make your car battery last longer

A reliable car battery is essential for making sure your vehicle starts without a hitch and operates smoothly. While the average car battery life spans about three to five years, proper care and maintenance can help you maximise this lifespan. Here are some top practical tips to extend your car battery’s life and avoid premature replacements.

1. Limit short trips

Frequent short drives prevent your car battery from fully charging, which can lead to reduced capacity over time. To maintain optimal charge levels, consider taking your vehicle for longer drives periodically. This practice allows the alternator to recharge the battery fully, promoting a healthier battery life.

2. Ensure secure battery mounting

A loosely fastened battery can vibrate, potentially causing internal damage and short circuits. Regularly inspect your battery to ensure it’s securely mounted, especially if you frequently drive on uneven or bumpy roads. Tightening the battery’s hold-down clamp can prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

3. Turn off all lights and electronics

Leaving headlights, interior lights, or electronic devices on when the engine is off can drain the battery. Make it a habit to double-check that all electrical components are switched off before exiting the vehicle. Modern cars often come with automatic shutoff features, but older models require manual vigilance.

4. Keep battery terminals clean

Corrosion on battery terminals can interfere with the electrical connection, reducing efficiency. Regularly inspect your battery terminals and clean them using a mixture of baking soda

and water with a wire brush. Applying petroleum jelly

or a specialised battery terminal protector can help prevent future corrosion.

5. Avoid extreme temperatures

Both hot and cold temperatures can negatively impact battery performance. Heat accelerates fluid evaporation inside the battery, while cold temperatures can slow down chemical reactions, reducing power output. Park your car in a garage or shaded area during extreme weather conditions to help regulate temperature exposure.

6. Drive your car regularly

Leaving your car unused for extended periods can lead to a discharged battery. If you don’t drive your vehicle often, consider using a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep it topped up. This is particularly useful for seasonal vehicles or those used infrequently.

7. Test your battery periodically

Routine battery testing can help identify potential issues before they become serious. Many auto shops offer free battery testing, or you can use a multimeter to check voltage levels. A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts

when the car is off and about 13.7–14.7 volts when running.

8. Minimise power usage when idling

Using air conditioning, heated seats, or charging devices while the engine is off can drain your battery quickly. If you need to use electronics while parked, ensure the engine is running to avoid excessive drain.

9. Replace an ageing battery on time

Even with proper care, all batteries eventually wear out. If your battery struggles to hold a charge, takes longer to start your car, or frequently needs jump-starting, it may be time for a replacement. Proactively replacing an ageing battery can prevent unexpected breakdowns. Understanding what shortens car battery life and implementing these preventive measures can help you extend your battery’s lifespan.

Tip: Always seek professional help if you’re unsure

The key to remember with any DIY task involving your car battery, is that if the task at hand is too far removed from your wheelhouse – and you are unsure in any way – then simply call in the experts. That’s what they’re there for!

_Disclaimer
^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}