Car Battery Maintenance Demystified: Maximizing Your Battery's Lifespan

You must’ve heard the phrase ‘Battery is the powerhouse of your car’. This stands accurate as with various technological advancements, batteries play an essential role in powering different appliances, most notably vehicles.

But with such extensive usage, the challenge lies in proper maintenance and extending the lifespan of car batteries. The first step to better car battery maintenance lies in understanding its causes and impacts and choosing the best strategies to help your vehicle thrive on long journeys with a power-packed battery. In this blog, we will understand the root causes of your car battery problem and then lay out the best battery management system for your car.

But first, let us know,

Batteries power appliances, but they have a limited lifespan. A car battery's minimum lifespan is between 2 and 5 years. However, several factors influence longevity, such as climate, driving conditions, and maintenance.

Like in colder climates, batteries have a shorter lifespan, while regular maintenance, including checking and cleaning terminals, can extend it. The most important signs to look for in your battery are slow cranking or dim headlights, and if you cannot monitor this, go for experts.

One sees The most battery degradation in vehicles' lithium-ion batteries. The causes behind the battery degradation are:

1)Extreme Temperatures
Exposure to high temperatures, especially during the hot climate, leads to battery degradation. The winter season also poses a threat to the lifespan of the batteries.

2)Deep Discharging
When it's said to keep your vehicle up and running, never let your car frequently discharge to deficient levels, which can cause engine hindrance and lead to accelerated degradation.

3)Overcharging or Undercharging
A car runs on a battery, so it's also essential to take care of its charging. Overcharging, often caused by a malfunctioning alternator or charging system, can cause the electrolyte to break down and reduce the battery's lifespan. Undercharging, caused by short trips or infrequent use, can lead to buildup on the battery plates, affecting performance.

4)Age
Car batteries degrade over time due to their chemical processes, even if the vehicle is not in use. As stated above, they have a fixed lifespan, and if not taken care of properly, they degrade before their desired tenure.

5)Poor Maintenance
Neglecting basic maintenance of your car’s battery, like cleaning buildups on the battery terminals, checking fluid levels, and checking for any cracks, can significantly contribute to the degradation of the battery.

When talking about car batteries, one thing you should also know about is the Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS is a crucial component that monitors and controls the battery's performance. To prevent issues like overcharging or discharging, it keeps track of the State of Charge, voltage, and temperature. The BMS also balances charge among cells, detects faults, and takes protective measures to ensure optimal battery health and vehicle reliability.

Now, let's list down the strategies that will help you extend your car battery lifespan:

1)Regular Maintenance: Always keep the battery terminals clean and corrosion-free. You can also help by regularly inspecting and cleaning the terminals using a mixture of baking soda and water.

2)Secure Fit: Make sure that the battery is securely fastened in the tray to minimise any vibrations or mechanical stress caused. Loose or not adequately placed batteries are more prone to damage.

3)Proper Charging: As mentioned earlier, deep discharging can lead to the degrading of the batteries. So, if your car has infrequent usage, consider using a battery maintainer or trickle charger.

4)Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Extreme temperatures threaten car batteries. Always park your car in a shaded area during hot weather to reduce exposure to high temperatures. Consider using a battery warmer or insulator in cold weather to maintain optimal operating conditions.

5)Limit Short Trips: Frequent short trips must allow the alternator sufficient time to recharge the battery fully. Combine short trips or use a battery maintainer if your car experiences limited daily use.

6)Limit Electrical Load: Minimize using electronic accessories, especially when the engine is off. Extended use of accessories without the engine running can lead to excessive battery discharge.

7)Regular Inspections: Periodically check the battery's overall condition. If you notice any signs of damage or deterioration, consider replacing the battery before it fails.

Always look for a good car battery provider, and above it, look for the best car battery maintenance service provider. And why look further when you can now give your car the best services by booking Bosch Car Service.

Bosch Car Service offers a plethora of car repair services ranging from car battery services, car brake services, full inspection as well as car seasonal checkups. This multi-brand car repair service is the most affordable and trusted brand. If you feel the hassle of going and booking the car services at the centre, just type ‘bosch service centre near me’ on your explore page, book your repair online and get experts to give your car the perfect reboot just from the comfort of your home.