Tips for extending the life of your car battery

Car batteries don’t last forever. Their average life expectancy is about five years. Still, to spare them a premature demise, they require a little TLC and careful maintenance. By the way, if you can’t find your vehicle’s battery, try looking under the hood, inside the trunk, and under the seats—it’s bound to be there somewhere. Now for a few tips on preserving that little treasure.

1) Get the right model of battery

Battery just gave up the ghost? Before you head to the store, check your owner’s manual to find out what size battery you need. Some batteries may not be powerful enough. There’s something new to check too, because an increasing number of late-model cars come with either AGM (absorbed glass mat) or EFB (enhanced flooded battery)-type batteries for tasks like powering automatic stop-start systems. Replacing one of those batteries with a conventional lead-acid battery, for example, could damage your vehicle. So don’t be shy about seeking expert advice if you need to.

2) Don’t be casual about installation

Proud owner of a shiny new car battery? Get it installed by a mechanic you trust, and check for a metal strap securing it to the battery tray. Get in the habit of checking that it’s solid. Any loosening can cause vibration and damage parts inside the battery.

3) Don’t overwork your battery

Did you know that just using your car’s accessories (things like listening to the radio or charging devices) when your engine isn’t running puts too heavy a load your battery and can reduce battery life? The fact is that most car batteries are better off staying fully charged at all times. Planning on leaving your vehicle at home next vacation? Get a smart charger to keep your battery topped up. The less your battery is discharged, the longer its life expectancy.

4) Don’t skip out on maintenance

When you stop by the garage, get them to clean up any grime and buildup around the posts where they connect to the cables. A careful cleaning will prevent corrosion that could damage your battery. Your mechanic can disconnect it, detach the connectors, and clean everything for you. Note that on certain car models, disconnecting the battery will erase the on-board computer memory. Check your owner’s manual to find out how to help your vehicle relearn its functions, or ask your mechanic.

5) Get some help

Battery looking shaky? Not sure about accepting a boost from a good Samaritan? Call on CAA-Quebec’s Battery Service, whose mobile teams will test, jump-start, or replace a car battery that’s not doing its job. If needed, Battery Service patrollers can even take you to the nearest Approved Auto Repair Service Location. If you absolutely have to replace your battery, you as a CAA-Quebec member may be entitled to 3% back in CAA Dollars. Driving with a team of experts behind you—that’s worry-free driving.