If you're reading this website, then we (hopefully) shouldn't have to tell you about how important proper car maintenance is. The battery is one of the core things you should keep an eye on, since it keeps your car's electrical and mechanical components running.
Car batteries are usually replaced every three to five years, but it's not unheard of for a fairly new battery to die a quick and unexpected death. To prevent this from happening, here are some common pitfalls that the folks from Bosch Philippines shared with us.
Remember, your goal is to keep your battery running smoothly for as long as possible. To make sure that happens, avoid the following:
1) Your battery is too small to begin with. A battery, like every other thing that runs your car, comes in different sizes and specifications. If you use a lower-spec one than what your car normally uses, it can deteriorate quicker than normal thus resulting in a shorter service life.
2) Too much time in traffic. The start-stop nature of traffic jams can be harmful to your car, including its battery. When your ride spends a lot of time idling or at low speeds, it doesn't allow the battery to be charged fully. This can result in the build-up of lead sulfate crystals, otherwise known as sulfation. If your battery experiences prolonged periods without charging properly, the sulfation process can eventually affect its performance.
3) You take it for granted. Proper battery maintenance extends beyond just replacing it when it dies. Bosch advises that you check it at least once a month for any leaks and to ensure that the top is clean. Also check for any damage to the terminals, screws, clamps, or cables.
4) You overwork your car's electricals. Things like the A/C, radio, head and cabin lights take up precious energy. Make sure you turn these off whenever the engine isn't running. We've all heard those parking lot horror stories of poor motorists who've left their lights on, only to come back to a dead battery.
