We need to keep our eyes on our starter batteries this season, if we have a break from routine. They could be self-discharging while we write, and if we only make short journeys they may not be able to fully recharge. How long has your starter battery been in your car since you changed it? There are ways of avoiding flat starter batteries as we remind you here.
Why More Starter Batteries Go Flat In Winter
A chemical reaction repeats inside a starter battery every time we draw current from it. This process reverses on each occasion we recharge it while we are driving. However, the chemicals inside the battery are temperature-sensitive:
- They react more slowly in cold weather, meaning they don’t recharge as fast.
- Summer heat is not good for them either, because it shortens their useful life.
Over time a battery gradually consumes the store of energy inside it, which came with it when it was new. Therefore, an older starter battery is more likely to fail in winter, because the odds are stacked against it. But we may have a few tricks up our sleeve for avoiding flat starter batteries a while longer.
Stretch Starter Battery Life a Little Longer
We can’t promise all these tips will work, because their success depends on the state of your particular battery. It could be safer to order a new one, and change it over as soon as you can. Meanwhile – at your own risk of course – you may like to try these battery-life extending tips:
- Park your vehicle inside a garage at every opportunity to keep the battery warmer.
- Turn off all accessories when you start your car. Check all are off when you park it.
- Avoid using any non-essential accessories while driving, to help the battery recharge.
- Stop by a battery shop and have your battery tested. Listen to, and follow their advice
- Avoid short, stop-start journeys. Your best medicine could be to take a one-hour drive.
That’s about all there is to say on this particular matter. Except to wish you a Happy New Year of safe, trouble free driving!
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Extend Starter Battery Life With These Tips
