Running out of battery is really not a gift. Fortunately, the risk of being trapped can be limited by avoiding a few bad habits.
A battery is like any other element of a car, it is pampered. For that, there is not much to do but on the other hand, there are certain things not to do!
We are therefore going to see which ones in a very simple little list but which may help you avoid a lot of mechanical trouble.
1. Short trips are treacherous
For a battery that lasts and stays efficient, short trips are far from being your friends. And for good reason, just starting the vehicle already consumes between 150 and 350 A (Ampere). In addition, on short trips, the alternator will often not have time to do its job and recharge the consumption used.
2. Leaving your car in high temperatures
It seems logical, but the outside temperature greatly affects the operation and life of the battery. In a very hot region, a battery has an average lifespan of 30 months.
Conversely, in an area where the climate is more temperate, this average rises to 47 months. Yes, the air conditioning consumes a lot of battery. And this also applies in very cold regions with heating. For example, when the temperature drops below -10°C, the battery can then lose up to 50% of its capacity.
3. Leave the key in the ignition
This is a silly gesture that must absolutely be avoided! When the key remains in the ignition or near the vehicle for connected keys, this consumes the battery. The two continue to communicate with each other and create unnecessary battery drain.
4. Open doors
Having fun with opening doors or windows may seem childish and it is. It is also a ridiculous and totally avoidable energy expenditure.
Same for open doors when the engine is off. This does not allow the battery to slacken since the vehicle is still in useable condition.
5. Parasitic drainage
These are very common and occur when a light is not properly extinguished for example. This can happen when a door is not properly closed or for the trunk.
The battery will then discharge significantly and for nothing at all. That’s why a quick lights check before setting off can be very helpful.
6. Beware of the alternator
The car needs the battery to start. But the battery needs the alternator to recharge.. In case of failure of the latter, it should not be left lying around.
It is best to have it changed as soon as possible to allow the battery to recharge during the journeys.
Read also on Auto-Moto.com:
Leaving your engine running when stopped: why is it a bad idea?
Car rental abroad: how to avoid mishaps?
Long journeys: how to pass the time?
Accident abroad: how to react with your insurance?
Running out of battery is really not a gift. Fortunately, the risk of being trapped can be limited by avoiding a few bad habits.
A battery is like any other element of a car, it is pampered. For that, there is not much to do but on the other hand, there are certain things not to do!
We are therefore going to see which ones in a very simple little list but which may help you avoid a lot of mechanical trouble.
1. Short trips are treacherous
For a battery that lasts and stays efficient, short trips are far from being your friends. And for good reason, just starting the vehicle already consumes between 150 and 350 A (Ampere). In addition, on short trips, the alternator will often not have time to do its job and recharge the consumption used.
2. Leaving your car in high temperatures
It seems logical, but the outside temperature greatly affects the operation and life of the battery. In a very hot region, a battery has an average lifespan of 30 months.
Conversely, in an area where the climate is more temperate, this average rises to 47 months. Yes, the air conditioning consumes a lot of battery. And this also applies in very cold regions with heating. For example, when the temperature drops below -10°C, the battery can then lose up to 50% of its capacity.
3. Leave the key in the ignition
This is a silly gesture that must absolutely be avoided! When the key remains in the ignition or near the vehicle for connected keys, this consumes the battery. The two continue to communicate with each other and create unnecessary battery drain.
4. Open doors
Having fun with opening doors or windows may seem childish and it is. It is also a ridiculous and totally avoidable energy expenditure.
Same for open doors when the engine is off. This does not allow the battery to slacken since the vehicle is still in useable condition.
5. Parasitic drainage
These are very common and occur when a light is not properly extinguished for example. This can happen when a door is not properly closed or for the trunk.
The battery will then discharge significantly and for nothing at all. That’s why a quick lights check before setting off can be very helpful.
6. Beware of the alternator
The car needs the battery to start. But the battery needs the alternator to recharge.. In case of failure of the latter, it should not be left lying around.
It is best to have it changed as soon as possible to allow the battery to recharge during the journeys.
Read also on Auto-Moto.com:
Leaving your engine running when stopped: why is it a bad idea?
Car rental abroad: how to avoid mishaps?
Long journeys: how to pass the time?
Accident abroad: how to react with your insurance?
