How to Prolong the Life of a Car Battery

Here are some simple things you can do on a regular basis to prolong the life of your car battery.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. When going shopping, make sure your headlights are always off and not kept on by mistake. In the older cars, Check to see if all the doors and trunk are closed properly. If it is not, usually the inside light is left on. This can run down the battery.

2. Don’t leave your car running frequently for long periods of time in parking areas. Don't leave car sitting in your garage or at home for an extended period of time.

3. Check the battery terminals and posts to see if there are any corrosions. Use a terminal brush and scrub off any corrosion
   Corrosion in the battery terminal prevents a car from starting.

4. Check the battery fluid once a month. The fluid level should be just below the bottom of the vent, for each cell. Fill any low cells with distilled water to bring them up to the necessary level.

5. Take a look at battery cables and inspect them. Make sure it is not loosed or unattached.

[edieness]

on 6/14/2009 Great article on How to Prolong the Life of Your Car Battery.