How to Improve Car Battery Life

It seems like everyone in the St. Louis, Chesterfield, Kirkwood, and Missouri areas is interested in helping their batteries last longer. 

Glendale Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram put together this helpful guide on how to improve car battery life. Learn more below, then test these tips out for yourself today!

Shut Off All Unnecessary Electronics

One of the easiest ways to lengthen the life of your battery is to turn off any electronic devices or features that you're not using. Turning off the car's navigation system or climate control when not in use means your battery won't need to power as much. Try turning everything off once you've parked and before shutting off the engine. The next time you go to start your car, the battery will only have to power the engine instead of all the additional electronics in the car.

If you attempt to start the engine with all these electronic systems on, it can affect the alternator's ability to charge your battery correctly.

Clean the Battery

Corrosion buildup that forms around the battery terminals is one of the leading causes of battery failure. Corrosion occurs when battery acid leaks from the battery due to a bad connection. Keeping the battery clean of buildup can help it last longer.

Turn off the engine and use a flathead screwdriver to remove the corrosion buildup from the terminal. Be careful not to damage the battery.

Avoid Short Trips

The vehicle's alternator is responsible for recharging your car battery, but it can only do so when the car is on. So, short trips don't give the alternator much time to recharge your battery. Instead, opt for longer trips. Too many short trips can actually be harmful to the battery.

Imagine the difference in charge you'd get if you kept your phone plugged in for an hour rather than only 10 minutes every half hour.

Dirt and other debris on the casing of the battery can also cause it to lose its charge. With the engine off, use a damp cloth to clean the outside of the battery. 

However, all the best battery tips in the world can't make your battery run forever. When battery repair is needed, our team at Glendale Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram is here to help by providing you with professional battery repair.

If you live in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Kirkwood, or Missouri, and have questions about how to improve your battery's health, or need battery repair, please contact us today to schedule a service appointment.