Car Batteries play an important role in running your vehicles smoothly. Most people who have owned a car at some point have usually heard a myth about a car battery. Thus, being aware of the battery myths can save one misled. We have to know the right facts about Car Battery maintenance and care to reduce the risks of a battery failure. In this post, we’re busting the top 5 common myths about car batteries that many people still believe — and why you shouldn’t!
Demystifying Common Battery Myths
There are various common myths about car batteries. These battery myths lead to confusion among vehicle owners on how to maintain and extend battery life. So, you have to stay aware of myths and believe the real facts.
1. All Car Batteries Are the Same
No, car batteries are not the same. There is a wide variety of batteries for different cars.
Lead acid Batteries
These types of batteries are used in conventional vehicles. Batteries are considered cheap but very reliable.
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Batteries
AGM batteries will allow for higher durability and performance in vehicles with higher electrical demands and start-stop systems.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are used extensively in electric vehicles and provide options of high energy density and lightweight.
It is suggested that you choose the correct battery type for your vehicle to get the optimal performance and life. Don’t use the wrong battery because it reduces the lifespan and could damage the electrical system of the vehicle. Also, consider the Australian climate to choosing the right battery.
2. You Only Need to Replace Your Battery When It Dies
Another myth is that car batteries only need to be replaced after they fail. But it is not true. If you wait till the car battery dies, then it leads to unexpected breakdowns. So, you have to recognize the battery failure signs early. The common signs are the slower engine cranks, dimmer headlights, and fluctuating dashboard signals.
If you ignore these signs, then it will result in a dead battery. So, you have to regularly check your car battery and identify the problems before it fails. You must test the battery voltage and inspect for corrosion signs. Timely replacement and preventive care are suggested on the basis of battery performance and age. Your battery will last longer and, as a bonus, you lessen the chances of tripping an emergency.
3. Heat Doesn’t Affect Battery Life
Many car owners do not know about the risks of extreme temperatures, especially heat. The extreme temperature will affect the battery life and performance. In hot climates, excessive heat discharges the battery quickly, reduces efficiency, and leads to internal damage.
Temperatures elevate reaction rates within the battery, eventually fast-tracking its wear and tear. With this said, cars should be parked in shaded areas or covered with a car cover whenever possible to stay clear of direct sunlight. You will have to keep your car maintained, check battery fluid levels, and top them up as necessary. You can install an insulation kit and battery blanket to protect the battery from extreme heat. It will increase the battery life of the battery and maintain its high performance.
4. A Dead Battery Means You Need a New One
Dead batteries do not always need replacing. Sometimes, a car battery needs a recharge rather than a full replacement. There are some factors, such as extreme weather, leaving lights on, infrequent driving, etc, that cause the battery to discharge.
A good 12-volt battery charger or jump-starting the vehicle and then allowing the vehicle to run for the time of about 1 hour to fill the battery should be considered before making any decision to replace the battery. If the battery continues to lose charge, then it will most likely need to be replaced.
5. It Is Not Necessary to Hire a Professional to Replace the Battery for You
Replacing the battery looks like a DIY job, but if you go about it improperly, you will be up against dangerous scenarios. An incorrectly installed battery can create a lot of problems, such as batteries that are not charged, wrong batteries being used, and damage to the electrical system of the car.
It is recommended to hire a professional to replace your battery. We install the correct battery in your car and we also check your alternator to make sure it is working properly. Our certified technicians have experience handling batteries, preventing risks such as acid leaks or short circuits. Moreover, we also do regular battery tests to maintain the life of your battery.
So, if you use our professional technicians, we will take care of the battery performance and life of the battery as well as install it safely.
Also read: Top Car Battery Chargers Of 2023 – Expert Reviews
The Impact of Driving Habits on Battery Health
A car’s Battery is the power source of the car. Without a battery, your car is unable to run properly. So, you have to use a well-designed and powerful battery in your car. Buying the best battery is not enough; you have to maintain it well. Various mistakes affect the battery’s health. Your driving habits can affect the health of your car battery.
Below are the common driving habits that you should avoid to keep your battery working properly.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving habits also affect battery performance. The quick burst of speed and hard stops will pull more power from the battery and add pressure on it. This increases the chances of replacing your car battery more frequently. To save your money, it is best not to drive a car aggressively. You should maintain a consistent speed and follow the driving etiquette on the road.
Short Trips
If you are one who has planned short trips frequently, then you should take care of your car battery as well. Since short trips do not allow the battery to charge successfully, it is really not recommended. It recharges slowly and drains slowly. To get rid of this problem, you have to plan long drives at least once a week.
Idle Time
When you are not running the car’s engine, do not use the sound system, AC, or car lights. Keep them off at that time. If you turn on the AC, lights, etc, then the stress on the battery will increase and reduce its performance. That has to be another one you avoid.
Driving a Poorly Maintained Vehicle
Another bad driving habit that affects your battery performance is poor maintenance. If you do not maintain the car’s battery, then it will fail or be damaged before its lifespan. To maintain the battery properly, clean the battery terminals, regularly test the battery, check the engine, clean corrosion on the battery terminals, etc.
Usually, the battery charge levels are reduced, with longer starter cranking. Such maintenance as spark plug cleaning, mass airflow sensor cleaning, and air filter replacement must never be neglected. So, stay away from this negligence, include these in your vehicle maintenance schedule, and do not forget to take care of the battery.
Parking in Extreme Heat
Another bad driving habit you should avoid is parking your car in hot temperatures. If you park your car in extreme temperatures, then it can cause battery failure. The hot weather speeds up the chemical reaction that occurs in the battery, even if it is parked. It releases gas when the battery is too hot. It releases electrolytes in the environment. One for the curious: This is an ancient adage for batteries that tend to die quickly when the electrolyte level is low.
Looking for a Battery Store on the Sunshine Coast, QLD?
These common battery myths help you to know better about the maintenance and care of your car battery. Now, you know the actual facts behind these battery myths. So, you have to avoid these mistakes and ensure that your battery works properly.
If you are living on the Sunshine Coast, QLD, and looking for professional assistance for car batteries, then contact Batteries Sunshine Coast. We are a reliable battery store that will provide you with a range of car batteries and professional help. Our batteries will meet your vehicle standards and also provide you with maintenance services to keep your battery in optimal condition.
