Your car’s battery serves two key purposes — it sends a surge of power to the starter when you need to start your vehicle, and it provides the power that runs your car’s electronics and computer. While a battery’s average lifespan of a battery is three to five years, failing to pay attention to certain auto maintenance principles can cut that time short. Follow the tips below to keep your car’s battery running smoothly for a long time.

3 Tips for Maintaining Your Car Battery

1. Tighten the Brackets

Your car’s battery is heavy, and it can damage other engine components if it comes loose. This is why it’s strapped down with metal brackets. If these brackets aren’t tight enough, the battery can bounce as the car vibrates; this could damage the interior or loosen the terminal connection, making it harder to start your car.  Whenever you get under the hood for auto maintenance, check the battery’s brackets and ensure they’re tight enough.

2. Clean the Terminals

You may notice a crusty substance around the positive and negative terminals when you look at your battery. This corrosion is caused by hydrogen gas escaping from the battery. A little bit might seem harmless, but enough buildup can interfere with the connection between the battery and the engine. It can even drain the engine of power. Be proactive with your auto maintenance habits; clean the terminals every few months with a mixture of water and baking soda.

3. Minimize Strain

The alternator provides your battery with electricity when the car is running, but once the car is turned off, it takes any power it needs directly from the battery. As a result, running the radio or AC without turning on the ignition — or accidentally leaving your lights on overnight — will put more strain on the battery. The lead plates inside form sulfate crystals as the battery discharges; these formations can harm the battery’s total lifespan. An auto maintenance expert can recommend ways to reduce the strain you put on your battery.

If your car battery is acting up, you can trust the auto maintenance professionals at Priam’s Automotive Service & Repair Inc in Honolulu, HI, to help you get the most out of its lifespan. They can also repair electrical issues, underperforming engines, and broken heating and cooling systems. To schedule a no-obligation consultation, call (808) 537-1919. You can learn about their full range of auto maintenance offerings online.