A healthy car battery is essential for starting your car and powering lights, AC, and other electronics. On average, a battery lasts 3 to 5 years, but careless habits can shorten its life and leave you stranded. Here are simple, practical tips any driver in Pakistan can follow.
1. Avoid frequent short trips
- Very short drives don’t give the battery time to recharge.
- Try to drive at least 20–25 minutes regularly so the battery stays charged.
2. Switch off electrical accessories
- Before turning the car off, switch off:
- Headlights and fog lamps
- Cabin and reading lights
- AC and infotainment system
3. Keep battery terminals clean
- Dust, rust, and white/green deposits reduce current flow.
- Clean terminals with a baking soda + water paste and an old toothbrush.
4. Check cable connections
- Loose or poorly fitted battery terminals interrupt power supply.
- Make sure both positive and negative clamps are tight and secure.
5. Protect battery from extreme temperatures
- Heat speeds up chemical wear inside the battery.
- Cold makes the engine harder to start and demands more power.
Bonus Tips
6. Check water level in lead-acid batteries
- Conventional lead-acid batteries need distilled water to stay healthy.
- Check levels:
- Every month in summer
- Every 2–3 months in winter
7. Avoid overcharging
- Overcharging can cause the battery to overheat, release gas, and lose life.
- If you smell a burnt or strong chemical odour near the battery, get it checked immediately.
8. Test the alternator if problems continue
- If the battery keeps dying despite good maintenance, the alternator may be weak.
- A mechanic can test with a multimeter:
- Engine off: about 12.4–12.7V
- Engine running: about 13.7–14.5V
Regular checks and a few simple habits can easily add years to your car battery’s life and save you from roadside surprises.
