Car Battery Maintenance: How can Ford's battery life be maximised?

 

The car battery is the backbone of your vehicle, providing the essential power to start the engine. However, car batteries have a limited lifespan and must be replaced every few years. Routine Ford repair & maintenance checks can help you keep track of your battery's health. You can do a few points to maximise your car battery life.

To keep your car battery charged, drive your car regularly. The alternator recharges the battery as you drive. To prolong battery life, take longer drives instead of frequent short trips. Short trips can prevent the alternator from fully recharging the battery, leading to damage. 

For those who don't often drive long distances, use a car battery maintainer between trips. This device keeps a low, on-demand charge on your battery, preventing slow discharge. Remember, frequent slow discharges and recharges can harm your battery.

Regularly clean any pollution from the battery terminals. It's a simple task that can be done with battery corrosion washers and dielectric grease, helping to prevent corrosion.

Avoid leaving the car's electricals on for extended periods without starting the engine, as this can deplete the battery. The battery is primarily for starting the vehicle, and using electricals without running the engine drains it.

Many modern vehicles have protective heat shields around the battery. If your battery has a heat shield, do not remove it.

Lastly, service your vehicle regularly. Regular maintenance from a trusted mechanic ensures your car runs smoothly for a long time.

How Often Does Your Car Need a New Battery?

The exact lifespan of a car battery varies depending on the vehicle and its condition, but most cars require a new battery every four to five years on average. In colder climates, the battery lifespan may be shorter.

Monitor your car's performance closely once your battery reaches the three-year mark. Early detection of battery issues can prevent more severe problems.

Batteries in newer vehicles may not exhibit obvious signs of imminent failure. However, it's important to remember that a battery's performance can decline after four years. Have your mechanic check the battery's health during regular maintenance visits.

Replacing the battery is inevitable for all vehicles. Whether you store your car or use it daily, the battery will eventually need replacement. Extending the battery's use beyond five years can lead to unexpected failures.

Regularly monitoring and maintaining your car battery is essential to avoid unexpected failures. Aim to replace your battery every four to five years, and start paying attention to its performance after three years. Regular checks during car maintenance can help ensure your battery remains in good condition, contributing to the overall reliability and longevity of your vehicle.

Are you looking for a maintained car battery centre near you?

Call Ford Mechanic (03) 9501 0012 for affordable services and repairs. We are the leading Ford car service centre and provide professional repairs, maintenance and servicing. Our experienced team is trained to service, maintain, repair and diagnose issues with Ford models. To know more about our services, please visit our site.