If you take the Indian driving conditions into account, one thing that seasoned drivers will agree upon is that the battery is the silent hero. It is what helps your engine start, and your car’s performance depends heavily on it. Which is why it is super important you pick the right battery.
Now, suppose you picked the right option for the best car battery price, you followed the manual, but will it last long? Well, not if you don’t maintain it properly. A typical battery lasts only around 3-5 years, but you can make it last longer, which is why in this article, we’re giving you some maintenance tips and how you can increase the lifespan of the battery.
How Long Does a Car Battery Usually Last
But first, let us understand how much a car battery lasts in the first place, to put it simply, an average car battery lasts somewhere between 3-5 years, this is because the electrodes and the other components that handle the battery degrade as time goes on, eventually, you have no option but to replace the car battery all together, that too at a much higher car battery price.
This can be avoided, if you take proper care of the battery in the first place, with proper care the battery life span can be extended by up to 6 years, depending on the care and maintenance that the battery receives, this not only increases the lifespan of the battery, but also makes sure that you save a lot of money in the long run.
What to Check Before Buying a New Battery
Now, before we jump right into the maintenance tips, let’s take a closer look at certain aspects you need to keep in mind before you buy your next car battery. While the car battery price is an important aspect to take a look at, there are also certain factors that you need to keep in mind so that you get more of your money’s worth.
First and foremost, you need to keep an eye on the battery size and type, and do some research on the fact that which battery is compatible with your specific car. The best practice is to take a look at the user manual, as that is the most reliable option. The wrong feet can actually make your car perform even worse than before, so it’s important to match the specifications wisely.
Essential Maintenance Habits.
Now that we understand how we can pick the best possible battery for our car, let’s look at some of the maintenance habits that can actually improve our life span by many folds. Firstly, your battery terminals should be clean and tight; if dust enters those spaces, it can actually hamper the battery’s connection and make the connection slower.
If you see any form of corrosion in your battery, you need to clean that corrosion up with baking soda. You can also call a mechanic and then apply a protective coating to your battery to make sure it stays corrosion-free for a long time to come.
If your battery is not sealed, try to keep an eye on the electrolyte levels, and make sure you top it up with only distilled water, as normal tap water has a lot of minerals in it, which can conduct electricity and ruin the battery. If you follow these maintenance tips religiously, you can significantly boost the life span of your battery up to 5 to 6 years, which is a lot more than the standard 3-year lifespan most batteries offer.
How to Protect Your Battery in the Indian Climate
Let’s face it, the Indian climate is at times harsh. Suppose you do not take care of your battery properly, you can face the repercussions. Is there a way to keep your battery safe in the scorching Indian heat? Well, you need to understand that heat is the biggest enemy of your car battery, and if you don’t take care of it, the car battery might be too much for a replacement.
Well, firstly, try to avoid the sun as much as possible. You can park in shady places as much as possible to protect it from the heat directly. This reduces the temperature stress as much as possible. But let’s face it, the Indian weather is unpredictable, so it is wise to get a routine check-up now and then, to make sure your battery is in optimal health.
Smart Usage Practices
Here are some smart use practices that you need to keep in mind to maximise the lifespan of your car battery. Also, there are certain conditions where replacement is the only option, and you need to keep them in mind as well.
| Smart Usage Practices | When to Consider Replacement |
| Start the engine first before switching on the AC, lights, or accessories. | The engine cranks slower than usual. |
| Avoid deep discharges; don’t leave lights or electronics on when the engine is off. | Headlights or cabin lights seem dim. |
| Take an occasional longer drive so the battery gets fully recharged. | The battery is 3 to 4+ years old (time for periodic tests). |
| Reduce unnecessary electrical load during startup. | You need jump-starts more often. |
| Get a battery health/voltage check during regular service. | Visible corrosion, swelling, or leakage around the battery. |
Conclusion
The Indian weather is not at all kind when it comes to your car battery, which is why you need to make sure you do some proper maintenance practices. You will have to ensure that your battery stays intact for as long as possible. Otherwise, you will have to later on, replace your car battery at a hefty car battery price.
The battery is the heart of the vehicle, and it is more true for cars, without a proper battery, there is a good chance that the car will not start in the very first place, which is why choosing the right battery and maintaining it to maximise its life span becomes super important.
