The smooth running of your Chevrolet relies on the battery for an uninterrupted supply of electricity. The battery requires regular care, and if you neglect it, you may find yourself stranded with an engine that refuses to start. Here are seven solid Chevy battery maintenance guidelines to keep your battery in great shape for longer.
Secure Your Battery Firmly in Place
If a car battery is even slightly loose in its tray, it will vibrate excessively. These continual vibrations can gradually damage it, shortening its lifespan. With this in mind, periodically check and tighten the brackets and clamps to ensure that your battery is firmly fastened.
Insulate Your Battery Against the Cold
Extreme temperatures are another threat to car batteries. The cold, in particular, can shorten their lifespans, especially if the battery is already growing old.
You can buy special insulation blankets that protect your battery from the cold. In addition, during winter, try to park in a garage overnight; at least invest in an insulated car cover, which will keep your entire vehicle safer from the cold.
Clean Your Battery Regularly
It’s important to keep your battery clean with regular wipe downs. Never allow dirt and grime to build on the casing and terminals, as this will eventually harm the battery.
If you ever notice corrosion appearing on the terminals, clean it away with baking soda and water or a stronger anti-corrosion product. Also, keep the battery tray clean.
Avoid Shorter Trips Where Possible
When you use your car for just five or ten minutes, the alternator doesn’t have time to fully recharge the battery. Repeated short trips may leave your battery depleted, which can cause it to deteriorate. So, try to take longer trips frequently, perhaps by combining quick errands into a single longer drive.
Keep Your Car in Regular Use
It’s also important to use your battery often. When left inactive, car batteries slowly lose their charge and degrade. Ideally, drive your car at least once a week for more than thirty minutes.
Trickle Charge During Periods of Disuse
If you do need to leave your Chevy unused for a few weeks, invest in a trickle charger, which will supply a continual low-amp charge. This keeps the battery powered up and in great condition, ready for use when you return.
Avoid Using Electronics When the Engine’s Off
When the engine’s on, the car’s electronics receive voltage from the battery. At the same time, the alternator recharges the battery at a faster rate than it’s being depleted.
But once the engine’s off, the battery depletes at a much quicker rate. You’ll lessen this strain by turning off whichever electronic accessories you don’t need whenever you idle or switch the engine off.
Have your car battery tested, repaired, or replaced today at Mike Kelly Chevrolet in Butler, PA. We provide comprehensive vehicle services with prompt, courteous customer care.