Most people don't think about their car's battery very often, but the last thing anyone wants is to get in the car and discover that the battery is dead. Luckily, there are several simple things that can be done to help extend the life of a car battery so you are not left with a vehicle that won't start. Use the following tips to help your car battery last longer:

Drive Regularly

A car battery gets recharged while the vehicle is in motion, so make it a point to take at least one long drive every couple of weeks. Avoid leaving your car sitting for long periods of time without starting it or driving it-- the charge in your battery can slowly leak, making your battery much weaker. If a car is left sitting for too long, the battery can die and need to be replaced.

Clean the Battery Terminals

 Over time, corrosion can build up on the battery terminals and shorten the life of the battery. But built up corrosion on the terminals is very easy to clean. Make sure your car is completely cool, and then use an old toothpaste dipped in a mixture of baking soda and water to gently scrub away the corrosion. Use a spray bottle filled with water to rinse away the baking soda, and then dry the area with a clean cloth.

Don't Use Electronics when the Engine Isn't Running

Some people like to listen to the radio, turn on interior lights, or run the air conditioner when the engine is not running. Doing this can but a lot of stress on the battery and diminish its charge. If your vehicle's engine is not running, always avoid using electronics and other accessories that will be running off the power from the car battery.

Fasten Your Battery Tightly

A car battery needs to be securely tightened in order to remain in good condition. If the battery is not tightly fastened under the hood it can vibrate under the hood when the car is in motion. This vibration can cause damage to the car battery casing and may eventually damage the circuit connections inside.

Turn Off Lights

Accidentally leaving headlights on when exiting the vehicle can slowly drain the battery; if the lights are left on for an extended period of time the battery can die completely. Get in the habit of checking your headlights before walking away from the car to ensure that you remembered to turn them off.

For more information, talk to a professional like Auto Electric Sales & Service.

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