There’s nothing worse than getting into your car, turning the key (or pressing the button), and hearing… nothing. A dead battery can throw your entire day off track, especially if you’re running late or stuck in an inconvenient spot.
The good news? With a few simple habits, you can dramatically reduce the chances of your car battery letting you down when you least expect it.
Don’t Leave Lights or Electronics On
This one seems obvious, but it happens more often than you’d think. Interior lights, headlights, or even phone chargers left plugged in overnight can drain your battery.
Many newer cars turn lights off automatically, but not all do. So before walking away from your car, double-check everything’s switched off — especially if your vehicle’s a bit older.
Drive Your Car Regularly
Car batteries recharge while you drive. If your vehicle sits idle for days (or weeks), especially during cold weather, the battery slowly loses its charge.
Even a short drive around the block every few days can help keep your battery healthy. If you’re working from home or on holiday, consider starting your car occasionally just to keep things moving.
Watch for Warning Signs
A sluggish start, dimming headlights, or dashboard warning lights might be your battery waving a red flag. Don’t ignore these signs — they often show up days (or weeks) before a battery dies.
Getting your battery tested at the first sign of trouble can save you from getting stranded later.
Keep the Battery Terminals Clean
Pop the hood every now and then and check your battery terminals. If you see white or greenish buildup (corrosion), it can interfere with the battery’s connection and cause problems.
You can clean it gently using a mixture of baking soda and water, an old toothbrush, and gloves. Or have it cleaned during your next service — most mechanics will take care of it in minutes.
Avoid Short Trips Only
Frequent short drives (like just around the corner to the shops) don’t give the battery enough time to recharge fully. Over time, this weakens the battery and shortens its life.
If you often take quick trips, try to mix in longer drives occasionally. Think of it like giving your battery a proper workout to keep it strong.
Replace It Before It’s Too Old
Most car batteries last between 3–5 years. If yours is getting up there in age, it might be time to replace it even if it’s still working fine — especially before winter or a long road trip.
Getting ahead of a worn-out battery means you’ll avoid the inconvenience of an unexpected failure.
Stay Powered Up Without the Surprises
A dead battery always seems to strike at the worst possible time — but it doesn’t have to. With a little awareness and routine care, you can keep your battery running smoothly and reliably.
And if your battery ever does leave you stuck, we’ve got your back. Just give us a call and we’ll be there with a quick jump-start or a tow to help get you going again.
If you are in Mernda, Victoria 3754, and looking for a nearby towing service, this is the best way to visit us.
Reservoir Towing
58 Anstey Ave, Reservoir VIC 3073
(03) 7046 4990
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