How to Maintain and Extend Your Car Battery's Life
Author: Toby Date Posted:14 February 2025
Ever had your car battery go flat at the worst possible time? It’s one of those annoying problems that can turn a good day upside down. But here’s the thing—it doesn’t have to happen often.
With some handy maintenance tips, you can make your car battery last longer and save yourself the hassle of getting stuck ever again.
Taking Care of Your Car Battery
Here’s a guide to keeping your battery in tip-top shape:
1. Keep It Clean
When was the last time you checked your battery? If it’s covered in grime or the terminals are corroded, it’s time to give it a clean. Dirt and corrosion can mess with the connection and even cause your battery to overheat.
2. Take It for a Spin
Leaving your car sitting in the driveway for too long can drain the battery. Batteries recharge when you drive, so if your car doesn’t get much use, it’s time to take it out for a run.
Aim for at least one decent drive (20–30 minutes) a week to keep the battery charged.
If that’s not possible, a trickle charger or battery maintainer can help keep it topped up.
3. Watch Those Short Trips
Starting your car takes a lot of battery power, and if you’re only driving a few minutes down the road, it doesn’t have time to recharge. If you’ve got errands to run, try combining them into one trip. Not only will this save your battery, but it’s also better for fuel economy.
4. Switch Off the Extras
Ever accidentally left your headlights on or the interior light running? It’s a surefire way to kill your battery. Make it a habit to switch off all electrical accessories—like lights, radio, or chargers—before turning off the engine. If you’re parked and using things like a phone charger, don’t leave it plugged in for too long.
5. Check Your Battery Regularly
There are a lot of mistakes that can drain your car battery. Look for signs like slow engine starts, dim headlights, or a warning light on your dashboard. Many service centres offer free battery tests, or you can grab a battery tester to do it yourself. If it’s time for a replacement, you should get a hold of new car batteries.
6. Be Mindful of the Weather
Extreme temperatures can be hard on batteries. In summer, the heat can cause the battery fluid to evaporate, while cold weather can make it harder for the battery to hold a charge.
In summer, park in the shade to keep things cool. In winter, consider using a battery blanket if you’re in a colder area. If your battery has removable caps, check the fluid level and top it up with distilled water if needed.
7. Secure the Battery
A loose battery can rattle around and get damaged, especially if you’re driving on rough roads or heading off-road. Check that your battery is tightly secured in its tray to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
8. Know When to Replace It
No battery lasts forever, and most only stick around for three to five years. Regularly inspecting and replacing your car battery when it shows signs of wear is crucial to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Smalls Steps to Keep Your Battery Life Longer
Looking after your car battery doesn’t have to be hard. A little bit of regular maintenance can go a long way in keeping your battery healthy and avoiding those flat-battery dramas.
So, next time you pop the bonnet, give your battery a quick once-over. It’ll keep you on the road and out of trouble. And when it’s time for a replacement, Superspares has your back with quality car batteries that are built to last.
Easy fixes, less stress—what’s not to like?
