We’ve all been there: you go to start your car and nothing happens. Then you have to find someone to give you a jump, and usually, this all happens in freezing weather. Having a dead battery is one of the most common (and most annoying) problems car owners face. We tend to take batteries for granted, which can result in getting stranded more often than not. Besides the engine, a vehicle’s battery is essential for keeping it in working order. Follow these tips to avoid a dead battery.
1. Keep Track of Age
Most car batteries last for 3-5 years. That’s just long enough for us to forget about them and it often doesn’t occur to us that they may be in need of replacing until it’s too late. Try to find a way to keep track of your battery’s age, that way you can be ready to replace it before it causes a problem.
2. Pay Attention
Car batteries don’t often die without giving us some warning. Pay attention to noises your car makes on start-up, as well as any lags you experience while driving or stopping. Failing batteries often make whirring or clicking noises under the hood when you attempt to start them.
3. Get a Trickle Charger
If you don’t drive your vehicle very frequently, you may be more prone to having a dead battery. This can be avoided by purchasing a simple charger that you can keep in your garage and put on the vehicle when it’s not being used. Just be sure to follow instructions for using the charger to avoid hazards to the battery.
4. Drive It Around
Batteries are prone to die in cold weather and after sitting for a long time. To avoid your battery dying in a cold garage, try to drive it around every few days to keep the charge. If the vehicle is going to be stored for a long length of time, invest in a portable charger.
5. Test it for Free
A good way to see if your battery needs replacing is to get it tested. Many repair shops and auto parts stores will test it for you at no charge. If you do need a replacement, they will be able to advise you on an appropriate battery for your car.
Preventing battery failure in a vehicle just takes a little mindfulness and knowledge. Always carry emergency jumper cables in the event of a dead battery, and always put safety first when it comes to changing car batteries. From all of us here at Quick-Set Auto Glass, drive safely out there!
