Replacing Seat Belts and Upgrading Safety Features: Auto Safety

3 Things That Can Ruin Your Car Battery

The battery on your car is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. It supplies the electrical current that powers everything from your dashboard lights to your engine starter. So, it's no surprise that a dead car battery is one of the most common roadside problems. But what might surprise you is that there are a lot of everyday things that can kill your car battery without you even realising it. Below are three of them. 

1. Leaving your headlights on overnight

If you've ever accidentally left your headlights on overnight, you know how quickly it can drain your battery. Most newer cars have an automatic shut-off feature that will turn the lights off when you exit the car, but if yours doesn't have that feature, it's important to be extra diligent about making sure they're turned off when you're done driving for the night. Otherwise, you could find yourself with a dead battery in the morning.

2. Using power-hungry features when the engine is off

Most people know that running the heater or air conditioner while parked with the engine off will drain the battery. But did you know that other features like heated seats and parking assist can also take a toll? If you are going to be parked for more than a few minutes, it's best to turn off all unnecessary electrically powered features to avoid killing your battery.

3. Failing to get routine maintenance checks

One of the best ways to avoid premature battery death is to make sure you're getting routine maintenance checks according to your car's schedule. During these checks, a mechanic will usually test the health of your battery and let you know if it needs to be replaced. Ignoring these checks could lead to driving around with a weakened battery without even knowing it - and that could mean being stranded with a dead battery in no time at all.

Summary

A dead battery is a massively inconvenient thing that can happen  — but luckily, there are some easy ways to prevent it. Just remember to turn off your headlights when you're done driving for the night, avoid using power-hungry features when the engine is off, and get routine maintenance checks according to your car's schedule. Following these simple tips will help to extend the lifespan of your battery. If you need a replacement battery, contact an auto parts supplier today.

Reach out to a car battery provider to learn more.


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