We’ve all been there – rushing out the door, hopping into our cars, only to be met with the dreaded sound of a dead battery. It’s frustrating, inconvenient, and can put a damper on our day. But did you know that some of our own driving habits could be contributing to this unfortunate situation?As car owners, we all have our fair share of driving habits that may not be the healthiest for our vehicles. Over time, these habits tend to become ingrained in our driving routines, potentially impacting the lifespan of our car batteries. It’s important to recognize that our driving habits play a significant role in the overall health and longevity of our beloved vehicles. In today’s blog post, we’re going to debunk a common misconception about damaged batteries. It’s time to set the record straight and shift our focus from manufacturing flaws to poor driving practices.
Bad Driving Habits to Avoid Battery Failure
Mistreatment and lack of upkeep are to blame for a vehicle battery’s limited lifetime. Consequently, all motorists should pay close attention to the following common driving errors:
- Avoiding The Cost of Fixing a Broken Alternator: The alternator supplies energy to the engine of your vehicle. The engine will switch to using the battery if the alternator fails to provide enough power. If your vehicle’s alternator is faulty, it may cease feeding power back to the battery after the engine has been started. As a result, the battery will die sooner or later if the alternator fails to charge it adequately.
- Usage of Tap Water: In instances when the water level inside the vehicle’s battery diminishes, it is possible to introduce tap water as a means of restoring the water level to the optimal range. In this context, it is important to note that although using tap water may seem more convenient, its use might potentially have detrimental effects on the battery due to the presence of metal ions that exhibit reactivity with electrodes and ions. On the contrary, the use of distilled water serves as a protective measure for batteries, as it has the capability to attenuate the concentration of lead acid, so facilitating the preservation of the battery’s electrical conductivity.
- Battery Overcharging: While regular battery charging is essential for prolonging the life of the car battery, overcharging may result in more serious concerns that might be unsafe. When a lead-acid battery is overcharged, it releases hydrogen and oxygen. Chemical reactions like this might degrade your battery’s life or even cause it to explode.
- Prolonged Hours in Parking: The longer you leave your car parked, the more energy it will release from the battery, even if the engine is turned off. While it’s true that keeping your vehicle idle for too long might cause problems, doing so can also kill the battery. As a result, some customers may have a difficult time getting their long-dormant vehicle started. Therefore, if you do not drive or use your vehicle often, you should warm it up, drive it, and allow the battery charge itself on a regular basis.
- Negligence in Car Servicing and Maintenance: Car maintenance and servicing are crucial for keeping your vehicle in optimal condition. By following a regular maintenance schedule, you can prevent potential issues from escalating into major problems. It’s like giving your car a check-up to catch any underlying issues before they become serious.These routine procedures not only extend the lifespan of your vehicle but also contribute to its overall performance and fuel efficiency. Moreover, regular servicing allows mechanics to identify and address any minor issues that may be lurking beneath the surface. By detecting and resolving these problems early on, you can avoid costly repairs down the line.
