Many people look for a cheap car battery when it’s time to get a new one. This makes sense as they can be expensive. However, there are things car owners can do to get the most life possible out of their car battery to save money. Luckily, many of these changes are subtle and only require that drivers are more conscious of the way they drive. 

How to extend the life of your car battery?

Most people accept that their car battery has a defined lifespan. This is regardless of how cheap or expensive the car battery is. While this is true, there are ways to make it reach its full potential or even exceed it.  

Limit short trips

One way to get as much life out of a car battery is to take longer trips. The problem is that shorter journeys in your car prevent the alternator from charging the battery. Of course, sometimes short car rides are necessary, so it’s good to sprinkle in longer drivers. This is one of the easiest ways to get the most life out of your battery. 

Make sure your battery is properly fastened

Another way to extend the life of your car battery is to ensure it’s properly fastened. This tip may sound like a no-brainer, but external components of the battery can become loose over time, and the vibrations can cause internal damage. Naturally, this could lead to it not reaching its full potential and needing to be replaced sooner. This is especially the case for people who often drive on bumpy roads. 

Monitor corrosion

Corrosion can be detrimental to your car battery life. Because of this, it’s necessary to keep your battery terminals clean. Luckily, this can be a pretty simple task if the corrosion doesn’t build up too much. Using a water and baking soda mixture with either a cloth or a toothbrush is recommended. 

Cheap Car battery life: Cheap vs more expensive options

Many people wonder if the life you get from a cheap car battery will be shorter than what more expensive options grant. This question is necessary because car batteries have become costly, and people want to save money. The easy answer is yes. More expensive car batteries usually last longer than cheap ones. However, any battery can be defective. 

According to How Stuff Works, car batteries last between three to five years. However, some brands promise a much longer life. Typically, batteries for cars will have a two-year warranty or last for a certain amount of miles. Luckily, drivers also have ways to get the most out of their investments.