Getting stranded with a dead battery is never fun. And it almost always happens when you don’t have time to deal with the problem. Cool Green Auto has these tips to help you avoid a dead battery.
Use Common Sense When You Leave Your Car
You probably already know that leaving your lights on isn’t great for your car’s battery. It’s all too easy to do, however, so many manufacturers fixed that by adding auto-off features for lights. But if you do something like accidentally pop the trunk lid, that can drain your car’s battery too. When you park your car, overnight or even for a few hours, get in the habit of just making sure that everything is off or unplugged that might drain the battery.
Take a Look at Your Car’s Battery Once in a While
There are certain things that you should do periodically as a car owner to maintain your car, like checking your coolant levels and checking for proper tire inflation. Something else to add to the list is checking your car’s battery. You don’t have to hook up anything complicated. A visual inspection is enough, and what you’re looking for is any change to the battery’s exterior casing or corrosion on the posts.
Drive Your Car a Few Times a Month
The best way to keep your car’s battery in good condition, particularly in cold or hot weather, is to run the car periodically. Running the car’s engine for at least twenty minutes consecutively can help to make sure that it gets enough of a charge back from the alternator. If you don’t drive the car often, you may want to try driving it at least two or three times a month to keep the battery functional.
Make Battery and Alternator System Checks Part of Your Service Plan
When you take the car in for an oil change or another routine service, ask to have your battery and alternator checked. It’s simple and fast to do and it gives you a good idea what’s going on with your car’s electrical system. If you do have something that isn’t quite right, it’s better to fix it right then than it is to wait until you get stranded.
Cool Green Auto in Shepherdstown, WV is happy to help you to keep your battery and your car running perfectly. Contact us today and set up an appointment to get your car’s battery tested, charged, or replaced as needed.