Your car battery: tips to make it last

The battery provides the initial burst of power that cranks the engine and keeps every electronic component running while the engine is off. A neglected battery is one of the most common reasons a car will not start, especially in the cold months.

Check the terminals regularly: white or greenish corrosion increases resistance and reduces the available current. Clean them with a wire brush and protect them with a thin layer of terminal grease.

Avoid repeated very short trips: the alternator does not have time to recharge what the start used. If the car stands still for weeks, use a battery maintainer.

A battery lasts 4–5 years on average. If cranking becomes slow or the lights dim at idle, have it tested and replace it with a model of the same capacity and cold cranking amps (CCA) as the original.