5 Easy Ways to Extend Your Battery’s Lifespan This Fall

As the chill of Autumn sets in, heralding frosty mornings, one of the most frustrating experiences is discovering that your vehicle refuses to start, often due to a drained battery. With dropping temperatures, your battery is more susceptible to drainage and needs more attention. Here are five cost-effective methods to extend your battery’s lifespan and prevent those chilly Autumn morning troubles:

Avoid Short Drives

Surprisingly, frequent short drives can drain your battery faster than long ones because the vehicle has insufficient time to recharge the battery properly. Starting your car is particularly taxing on your battery, and if you shut it down within five to ten minutes, the battery’s risk of discharge increases.

When your schedule permits it, try turning errands into longer journeys in order to give your battery more recharge time. Choosing to shop at a slightly further grocery store may cost an extra buck or two of gas money, but that’s nothing compared to the price of replacing your battery.

Don’t Park for Extended Periods

Modern vehicles come with multiple electronic systems that gradually consume your battery power, even when switched off. This slow process is called parasitic drain.

If you have to park your car for a long duration – perhaps during a holiday vacation, for example – try to disable as many of these features as possible. Even if you’re cooped inside your own home during an early winter storm, try to get out and start your vehicle for about 20 minutes each day to maintain a healthy routine of battery recharge.

Switch Off Electronics When Engine is Turned Off

Leaving non-essential electronics on when the engine is off can drain your battery, especially during colder months. When you turn off your car, ensure all electronics, including your heating, radio, and headlights, are also switched off. If you need to remain in your car for an extended amount of time, simply keep the engine running; your battery will thank you, as it cycles through its normal recharging procedure.

Regularly Monitor and Maintain Your Battery

If your battery’s health continues to be a source of anxiety, a car battery tester can be a worthy investment. Regular voltage checks can alert you to any potential issues early. After each test, ensure your battery is secure to prevent vibration-related internal damage. Also, clean the battery terminals with cold water and a dry cloth at the first signs of corrosion. 

Get Assistance When Needed:

If somehow your battery still fails, a good Samaritan with jumper cables might be your last resort. However, by following the above tips, the fate of the rest of your day shouldn’t have to rest on the kindness of strangers.

If you try to start your car this Fall and your engine hesitates in any way, don’t delay; visit us at Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac. Whether you need a new or pre-owned vehicle, service, or parts, Rick Bokman is here to keep you on the road.

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