How to Extend Your Car Battery Life | Lynchburg, VA

How to Maintain a Car Battery

Car batteries don’t give much warning when nearing the end of their lifespans. That’s why it’s always surprising when a battery runs out of juice. Old age may be to blame if it happens three to five years after installation. Often, though, batteries deplete sooner than expected due to driving habits and lack of maintenance.

Many factors are under your control, so you can get more out of your battery by adopting new habits and behaviors. Get some tips and tricks to extend the life of your car battery.

Tips to Extend Your Car Battery’s Life

You don’t have to spend much time in Meridian to know that cars are a big deal here. The city hosts some of Mississippi’s most popular car shows, and residents love entering their classic and custom cars. They often keep the cars in storage until showtime and then park them again after the event.

Unfortunately, some Meridian residents miss their big moment because their cars won’t start. Batteries slowly drain when parked, and alternators can’t replenish the charge when the car’s off.

This isn’t just a problem for classic cars, either. The same thing happens when parking a new car for a long time. Fortunately, there’s a quick fix to extend the life so you can put off car battery replacement in Lynchburg, VA. Make a point to start your car every week and keep it running for at least ten minutes. That way, your battery will be charged and ready to go.

Your car battery needs two things to charge: energy and time. Your car’s engine sends power to the alternator, which it uses to charge the battery. This usually doesn’t happen until the car reaches 1,000 RPMs. Once you meet the threshold, the speed of the charge depends on how much energy the car produces. The faster you drive, the quicker your battery will charge.

If you take a lot of short drives or spend time in stop-and-go traffic, you won’t provide your battery with the time or energy it needs to recharge fully. Extend the life of your battery by driving on the highway for at least 20 minutes a week. Your alternator can charge your battery faster when you’re driving at highway speeds. Also, constant motion will ensure you maximize the charge during your drive.

Summer hits differently in Mississippi. Some states say hello and goodbye to intense summer temperatures within a couple of months, but not in Mississippi. Take Meridian, for instance. You can expect four months of blazing temperatures annually, with some additional hot days sprinkled throughout the year.

Your car battery also suffers through those hot temperatures and doesn’t always make it through intact. The heat can cause the liquid inside of the battery to evaporate quickly. It can also create leaks, corrosion, and swelling.

When considering how to maintain a car battery in Lynchburg, VA, you have to address the heat. Fend off the rays by parking your car in a garage, carport, or under a cover. Also, make a wise choice when replacing your battery. Some batteries are designed for Meridian’s hot climate, so you’re less likely to have problems. Visit Berglund Toyota to learn more about the best battery for the heat.

Corrosion, debris, and poor connections negatively impact a battery’s performance. Pop the hood and inspect the battery and connections. Make sure the battery is securely mounted and the connections are intact. Also, clean the battery and terminals with baking soda and warm water to remove corrosion. You should clean the battery even if you don’t notice any visible corrosion.

Visit Berglund Toyota for Battery Services

Berglund Toyota in Lynchburg, VA, provides hassle-free car battery maintenance and installation. Our certified technicians can inspect your car battery, clean the connections, and conduct a load test. You don’t need to worry if your battery doesn’t hold a charge. Our technicians provide fast car battery replacement in Lynchburg, VA. We can even recommend a car battery that can handle Meridian’s high temperatures.

Use the online tool to schedule car battery service in Lynchburg, VA. Our Toyota dealership works on most makes and models, and we look forward to serving you.