How to maintain your batteries health throughout the colder months

Most battery failures don’t happen suddenly, they build up over time due to neglected maintenance and everyday habits. When these issues are ignored, your vehicle may struggle to start or leave you completely stranded, requiring professional jump starting or boosting assistance. There are several ways to prolong the life of your battery. Hopefully these tips can help you!

Battery habits that often lead to needing a boost or jump start include:

- Skipping regular battery testing

- Leaving lights, accessories, or electronics on

- Short, infrequent trips don’t give the alternator enough time to recharge the battery

- Ignoring corrosion on battery terminals, reducing electrical flow and starting power

- Failing to prepare for cold weather

- Keeping an aging battery too long

Smart habits that help your battery last longer:

- Keep your vehicle parked undercover, in protected areas. Extreme heat and cold both shorten battery life. Parking in a garage or shaded area reduces temperature stress that weakens battery cells over time.

- Start your vehicle regularly. Letting a vehicle sit unused for long periods allows the battery to slowly discharge. Starting your car every few days helps keep the battery active and charged.

- Limit accessory use when idling. Running AC, sound systems, or charging devices while idling puts extra strain on the battery system, especially in older vehicles.

- Replace worn out charging components early. A weak alternator belt or failing charging system forces the battery to work much harder than it needs to. Small issues left unaddressed often lead to complete battery failure.

- Secure the battery properly. This is an often overlooked and underrated step when it comes to maintaining battery health! Loose or vibrating batteries suffer internal damage that shortens lifespan. Making sure the battery is firmly mounted and secure helps prevent premature wear.

- Use the correct battery for your vehicle. Installing the wrong battery size or type can reduce performance and longevity. A battery that does not meet manufacturer specifications is more likely to fail early.

Staying on top of battery health helps prevent breakdowns, but batteries will eventually wear out, even with proper and meticulous maintenance. So when that happens and when your vehicle won’t start, our jump start service is ready to get you moving quickly and safely! 🙂