Driving a shiny new car with all the latest bells and whistles is certainly intoxicating, but doing so often comes with three or more years of expensive car payments. This is why a growing number of Americans are instead choosing to drive much older, less expensive vehicles that they can afford to purchase for cash.
However, many of these older vehicles lack the technology to alert the driver of important information related to maintenance, such as a developing battery issue. To compensate, drivers can develop good maintenance habits and routines. If you are one of the many frugal drivers who has opted to drive an older vehicle, the following tips for battery care will help you avoid unexpected cranking problems and delays.
Check the age and condition of the battery at the time of purchase
According to most major auto parts retailers, the average lifespan of a vehicle battery is usually somewhere between three and five years of age. However, the actual lifespan will be affected by the actual use and conditions each battery is exposed to, such as extreme heat or cold, electrical or connection issues, or misuse. So it is a good idea for older vehicle buyers to assess the battery age and condition when purchasing the car by looking at the label and checking for issues, such as corrosion, bad connections, and poor cranking quality.
Remember to check and clean battery terminals regularly
Corrosion is a common issue that impacts the dependability of the average vehicle battery. To prevent cranking issues due to corrosion on battery terminals, older vehicle owners should consider doing regular checks for corrosion buildup, as well as learning how to safely disconnect the cables, clean the posts, and then reattach them properly. Drivers who know how to do this and have equipped their older vehicle with the tools necessary to do so will be better prepared to get their car started quickly, should it fail to start due to corrosion.
Learn to recognize the symptoms of a failing car battery
As your older vehicle's battery reaches the end of its lifespan, it will likely provide clues that drivers can learn to watch for. These include:
Older vehicle owners who note one or more of these early warning signs, or those that find their battery looking visibly swollen or misshapen, or having a strange odor, should always take their car to a reputable car care specialist as soon as possible. Doing so will ensure that an unsafe or failing battery is quickly replaced and help to eliminate the possibility of being stranded with a car that refuses to start.
For more information on battery replacement, contact your local auto service.
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