A dead car battery is one of the most common reasons for roadside emergencies, but with proper care, you can extend its lifespan to 4-5 years. First, keep the battery terminals clean—corrosion (a white or greenish powder) can interfere with electrical flow. Clean them using a mixture of baking soda and water, a wire brush, and rinse with clean water, then dry thoroughly and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion. If you don’t drive your car regularly (e.g., less than 10 miles per trip), the battery may not fully recharge. In this case, invest in a trickle charger (also called a battery maintainer) to keep it charged when the car is parked for extended periods. Avoid leaving electrical components on when the engine is off—leaving the lights, radio, or phone charger plugged in can drain the battery overnight. During extreme weather, take extra precautions: in cold temperatures, batteries lose power, so consider parking in a garage if possible. In hot weather, high temperatures can shorten battery life, so keep the battery cool by ensuring proper ventilation under the hood. Finally, have your battery tested annually after it’s 3 years old to check its health and avoid being stranded unexpectedly.
