A few sensible procedures can make a big difference to the longevity of the 12-volt battery in your truck or SUV. With the following battery life tips from the experts at your local GMC dealership, you’ll save good money on new batteries over the years.
Never Fully Deplete Your Battery
Car batteries degrade more quickly when fully discharged. Depleting your battery completely causes excessive sulfation, which damages the battery and reduces its capacity. Bear this in mind and try to recharge your battery before it falls below 20 percent of a full charge.
Drive Your Truck Regularly
When sitting unused, 12-volt batteries tend to slowly lose power. This poses a problem if you’re leaving your truck in storage for a few weeks or months, perhaps while on vacation. In these situations, a good trickle charger can replenish the battery at a very slow rate, which prevents full depletion and preserves the battery’s health.
Avoid Continual Short Drives
Some drivers exclusively use their vehicles for short trips around the neighborhood. This could deplete the battery, as a burst of voltage is used to start the vehicle, but the following short drive isn’t long enough to recharge it. Short 5-minute drives are also unhealthy for the engine. Try to take longer drives whenever you can.
Protect Your Battery From the Heat
Extreme temperatures are harmful to 12-volt batteries. In South Carolina, heat is the greatest threat, especially during summer. Stay aware of this on hot days and park in the shade whenever possible.
Turn Off Electronics When Not Driving
When the engine’s running, the alternator is supplying the battery with power. As soon as the engine switches off, the battery is left unsupported, which means it will drain more rapidly. You can prevent this by turning off all unnecessary electronics, including the headlights, whenever the engine isn’t running.
Keep Your Battery Terminals Clean
The terminals on top of your battery may start to corrode, which slowly reduces a terminal’s conductivity. If you spot corrosion early and clean it away, you’ll keep your battery alive for longer.
Fasten Your Battery Securely in Place
Excessive vibrations are another harmful hazard for car batteries. Every now and then, make sure your battery is firmly fastened in place and not loose enough to slide and shake when you drive.
Test Your Battery Frequently
Bring your battery in for testing once or twice a year, especially when it’s growing old. We can test its capacity and let you know how reliable it still is. The start of summer is a good time to have your battery tested; you’ll find out if it’s strong enough to handle the hottest months.
Visit Gerald Jones GMC in Graniteville, SC, today to have your battery tested or replaced. Whatever truck or SUV-related need you have, we’ve got you covered.
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