Are you wondering how to know if your car battery is bad? When a battery fails it’s a serious problem that needs immediate attention, and it's usually not at a convenient time or place. You may want to ask your mechanic to check your battery to see if it’s time for a car battery replacement.
Once you know you have a good battery installed, here are six simple tips that will help extend its lifespan.
- Limit or combine trips – You may even consider joining a carpool.
- Keep the battery tightly fastened – A loose battery can easily jiggle loose connections and cause intermittent electrical connections.
- Turn off all the lights when you stop the car – When you arrive at your destination, be sure to turn off all lights, unplug any electrical devices that use power, such as a cell phone.
- Control corrosion – Keep the battery terminals clean. Corrosion inhibits the electrical current that flows from the battery to the engine and other electrical accessories.
- Test – Have your battery tested on a regular basis and top-off the cells with water if necessary.
- Don't use electronics when idle – Limit electronic use while the car is idling for long periods of time as it causes a heavy pull of electrical current from the battery. The alternator may not be able to keep up.
Wondering if it’s time for a car battery replacement? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about how to know if your car battery is bad and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
Are you wondering how to know if your car battery is bad? When a battery fails it’s a serious problem that needs immediate attention, and it's usually not at a convenient time or place. You may want to ask your mechanic to check your battery to see if it’s time for a car battery replacement.
Once you know you have a good battery installed, here are six simple tips that will help extend its lifespan.
- Limit or combine trips – You may even consider joining a carpool.
- Keep the battery tightly fastened – A loose battery can easily jiggle loose connections and cause intermittent electrical connections.
- Turn off all the lights when you stop the car – When you arrive at your destination, be sure to turn off all lights, unplug any electrical devices that use power, such as a cell phone.
- Control corrosion – Keep the battery terminals clean. Corrosion inhibits the electrical current that flows from the battery to the engine and other electrical accessories.
- Test – Have your battery tested on a regular basis and top-off the cells with water if necessary.
- Don't use electronics when idle – Limit electronic use while the car is idling for long periods of time as it causes a heavy pull of electrical current from the battery. The alternator may not be able to keep up.
Wondering if it’s time for a car battery replacement? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about how to know if your car battery is bad and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
