How to keep car battery from dying and everything you need to know

One of the vital things that every driver should learn is repair basics. But if you think of it, wouldn’t repair basics be less necessary if you learn to maintain your car first?

Although this is not 100% applicable (like in the case of flat tires), maintenance routines decrease the need for future repairs. Some examples of parts that could be saved with maintenance and proper inspection are serpentine belts and brake pads.

You can also save your car battery from dying out on you

You can also save your car battery from dying out on you, provided that you are properly equipped with the right knowledge regarding the matter.

So, what should you know about your car batteries to keep it from dying? Is there anything special that you need to do to prevent this? Why do batteries even die in the first place? Get all the answers you’re seeking in this article from Philkotse.com.

1. Car batteries when they die

Before we dig into the “how,” we first need to understand one fact: no matter the situation, your car battery will eventually die. This means it will be rendered useless and ready for recycling.

There are many reasons for a car battery to die. It can be caused by normal self-discharge, wearing out with time or even parasitic drain. These are just some of the possible causes.

Fortunately, the ways for you to keep your battery from dying is just as many. But the key to prolonging its life is identifying the possible reason for it to die. You will then need to address it immediately. This will prevent it from possibly sending your battery to the junk earlier than you expected.

The key to prolonging battery life is identifying the possible reason for it to die

>>> Check out: What you need to know about a dying car battery.

2. What is causing my car battery to die?

As stated earlier, there is more than a handful of reasons as to why your car battery is dying. But extreme temperatures remain to be one of the common reasons. Cold weather can stress a weak battery. This is because low temperatures cause less amperage cranked by the engine. But compared to cold weather, hot weather is a certified battery killer.

Extreme temperatures remain to be one of the common reasons why car batteries die

On the other hand, a parasitic drain can knock the life out of even the newest batteries. You may say “the battery will be able to recharge itself back up again.” While that may be true, the parasitic drain will just cause it all to drain all over again.

With that process of draining, you may be tempted to think of ways to prevent it. One of the possible solutions that you may be able to think of is disconnecting the battery. This may save your battery from the event of parasitic drain. However, this won’t save it from normal self-discharge which will happen eventually.

>>> More articles to read:

• Main battery or second battery: Helpful info you need to know
• [Philkotse guide] How often should I replace my car battery?

3. Can you keep the weather killing a car battery?

Although there is a way to somehow protect your car battery from the weather, it won’t do miracles for your battery. As you may have already known, both hot and cold weather have damaging effects on it.

The one thing that can help protect car batteries is by keeping them snug in your garage in a clean, dry place. Although it won’t completely keep your battery safe, keeping it in the garage will save it from extreme temperatures. This will still prolong its service life. Just remember that the best way to make a battery’s life as long as possible is to keep it in perfect shape.

The one thing that can help protect car batteries is by keeping them snug in your garage in a clean, dry place

Are you confused as to what that could mean? The perfect shape means that it should be properly maintained. Car batteries that are handled this way have better tolerance of temperature swings.

For example, in the summer months in the Philippines are pretty much merciless. The heat will most probably evaporate the electrolytes in your car battery. So to keep it in tiptop condition, remember to top it off. Low electrolytes in a battery can affect its performance.

>>> Tips for you: Handy tips on how to charge and maintain car battery properly

4. Can you keep the parasitic drain from killing your battery?

This one is hard but that doesn’t mean it’s not doable. Locating signs that there is parasitic drain is hard because of one reason. You won’t spot anything that signifies a problem. For example, you may have experienced leaving your headlights on. This is usually an indicator that there is something wrong.

This one is hard but that doesn’t mean it’s not doable

>>> Related: Battery terminal: How to clean & Replacement cost

In most events of parasitic drains, the component drawing amperage while your car is off doesn’t do anything. You’ll only notice the problem once you start the car. You will hear your starter motor click but to no avail.

But there is good news about this. If your battery isn’t worn out or old, there is a high chance that your battery will be okay. But that is only limited to one event of parasitic drain. The key to solving the problem is locating and fixing it. Your goal is to prevent the battery from being drained a couple more times.

If your battery isn’t worn out or old, there is a high chance that your battery will be okay

>>> Make sure you know: 5 simple tips to care for your car battery

5. Can you keep your car battery from dying while in storage?

The answer is yes. But this depends on a few factors. First off, this will depend on how long you plan to store your vehicle. If it’s not too long, you won’t need to perform any special procedures. You can also disconnect the battery entirely just to be sure.

You can keep your battery from dying but this depends on a few factors

Keep in mind, however, that even new batteries can slowly lose its charge. Lead-acid batteries have a slower discharge rate But long-term storage can still drain it until it reaches a dangerous level.