How can I extend the life of my battery?
The right measures to adopt for best practice
To preserve the efficiency of the battery, simple but regular maintenance is essential:
- on an older generation battery, check the electrolyte level;
- avoid short trips;
- start the car frequently when not using it for a long time;
- disconnect the earth (the minus sign) if you go on holiday or if you are not using the car for a long time;
- avoid large temperature fluctuations;
- dust the outside of the battery regularly;
- switch off the headlights and radio when not in use.
It is also an important task to check the battery voltage from time to time with a multimeter or voltmeter. The typical measurement is 12V when stationary and 14V when started. Below this level, you should consider recharging the battery.
What are the factors that affect battery life?
A vehicle battery will partially discharge or completely deplete after a long period of inactive use. Under normal circumstances, a 30-minute drive is sufficient to restore the battery to its full capacity. However, if the battery is old or worn out, or if you frequently drive short distances with a succession of starts, the battery may completely discharge. In this case, a battery charger or another vehicle can recharge it.
In this second case, connect the batteries from two vehicles, with the red cable linking the positive terminals and the black between the negative terminals. Starting a connected automobile with a full battery will gradually recharge the depleted battery. A deep discharge of the battery is sometimes irreversible, making it necessary to buy a new one.
Please note: now there are maintenance-free batteries available with a service life equal to or greater than an older generation battery, as long as the terminals are kept clean and the fasteners checked regularly.
What are the signs that a battery is wearing out?
A worn-out or end-of-life battery is easily detectable. As the main component of the car, its failure has a considerable impact on specific functions. The signs of battery wearing will quickly become fairly noticeable:
- difficulty starting with an engine that puts in a lot of effort without results;
- unable to switch on the headlamps, radio or other electronic equipment;
- battery indicator lights up, indicating a power supply problem;
- a sulphuric acid odour under the bonnet;
- standstill voltage less than 12V.
Tip: if the battery indicator light comes on during a journey, reduce the use of accessories (headlights, radio, windscreen wipers, etc.) as much as possible and only stop in a safe place.
Corroded, loose or calcified terminals can be responsible for battery wear. If in doubt, it is best to leave the car with a mechanic to carry out routine inspections on the battery, cabled and terminals. As automotive professionals, they can tell you whether the battery is still rechargeable, needs to be changed or whether the faults are due to another part of the vehicle.
