There’s nothing quite as frustrating as sitting down for a drive only to discover your battery has died. The sad fact is, vehicle batteries have a limited lifespan, and do eventually need to be replaced – whether you drive a gas engine, or an EV. The good news is, there are a few common things you can do to keep your battery in tip-top shape for as long as possible, making sure you get the most out of it. Join the friendly service team here at Downtown Ford as we walk you through a few tips for extending the lifespan of your vehicle’s battery.
Regularly Drive Your Vehicle
First and foremost, you need to use the battery regularly. Every time you turn over the engine, it uses some of the battery charge, and the alternator needs time to recharge it while you drive. Regular short tips will deplete it over time, as it doesn’t have enough time to fully recharge. A 20-30 minute drive is usually enough to top up your battery. Also, batteries don’t like to sit idle for long periods – especially in extreme temperatures – so try to get your vehicle out for a lengthy spin at least once a week if you can help it.
Turn Off the Electronics
Forgetting to turn off your lights when you get out of your vehicle is still the number one way to kill your battery dead. Many vehicles now automatically shut off the lights when the car is parked and turned off, but not all of them do. If your vehicle doesn’t have this feature, always quickly double-check to make sure they’re turned off. Don’t forget interior lights, too. A door or trunk accidentally left ajar could also deplete the battery. In that same vein, the radio, heater and A/C also run off the battery, and if you leave them on while parked, you could fully discharge your battery by accident.
Get It Tested
Of course, the absolute best way to extend your battery life is to get it regularly checked out by qualified experts, like our Ford Certified technicians. They can ensure the battery is secured, to avoid damage, keep it clear of corrosion, and track the energy output to ensure it’s still healthy.
Schedule Your Battery Maintenance with Downtown Ford
If you suspect there’s something wrong with your battery, you should get it tested right away. If it needs maintenance or replacement, we’d be happy to help. Book a service appointment with Downtown Ford in Toronto, ON today, and our team will get you back on the road in no time!