Battery problems and how to solve them.
How often should I replace my car battery?
Discovering you have a dead battery upon turning the key in the ignition is one of the most inconvenient, yet common, occurrences for motorists.
The life expectancy for your car battery is typically 4–6 years. Several factors determine how long your battery will last, for example weather conditions, vehicle type and driving habits.
Why is my battery flat?
Make sure to check all of the electrical connections and ensure the battery is kept clean and dry. If corrosion has built up over time, baking soda in a water solution and an old toothbrush is ideal to clean the battery terminals. Just make sure to remove the negative terminal first. When reapplying the terminals, connect the positive terminal first.
Cold weather makes it more difficult for an already weakened battery to hold its charge. Storing your car in a garage during spells of cold weather should keep the battery warmer and, therefore, easier to charge.
Charging your battery
The type of charger you own is important in the safety of charging your vehicle.
When charging your car, it is not only safer, but better for your battery to opt for the slow charging method. A fast charge increases the potential of overcharging your battery and can create permanent damage.
Replacement and recycling
Your local auto garage or recycling centre will take your car battery, usually for a small fee. It is illegal to dispose of your car battery along with household waste due to its toxic nature.
If the battery is still in reasonable condition, it may be reconditioned for use, or its components will be extracted and melted down for use in the future.
Keeping your car battery fully charged means your battery will have a longer lifespan and use energy more efficiently.
Waiting until you break down before replacing your car battery is avoidable. As batteries can pose several dangers, it is advised you seek professional help from a battery specialist before attempting any repairs yourself.
If your car does not start, you always can call the assistance and explain what happens. They will send you the recovery truck together with a tweezers. Remember that it this happen to you once, it is a warning to replace your battery.
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