Car battery life chart

If you want to keep your car battery healthy, and maximize the time before you have to shell out for a replacement, there are some reliable methods to do so.

Using even one of these guidelines will help, but for the best results, it’s helpful to use them all.

1. Limit Short Drives

Short trips can put additional strain on your battery, because they don’t offer the chance for a sustained charge.

Once the car is started, the alternator charges the battery, but it takes time and elevated RPMs (revolutions per minute) to get the job done.

How long does a car battery last without an alternator

On shorter trips, the battery doesn't get adequate time to fully charge.

2. Control the Temperature

If you can, keep the temperature of your vehicle stable (which in turn will keep your engine compartment, and thus your car battery temperature, stable).

This is most easily accomplished with a garage where you can keep the car out of the hot weather.

Even if you don’t have a garage, parking in the shade wherever possible will still help.

3. Clean Off Corrosion

Every so often, take a look at your car battery term

how long should you keep a car battery

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