Charles’s Tips: How to Save Battery
For those of us who drive or own vehicles, one of the last things we want to experience is a dead battery. But this can be easily avoided.
My family and I purchased our first car in November 1989 and since then we have owned or driven several other vehicles, both gasoline and diesel. What I am about to share works for everyone.
When you’re done driving for the day … and keep in mind … this applies to both new and not-so-new batteries (two years is considered a normal time for a lead / acid battery to normal work fine), DO NOT just turn off the engine and lock the vehicle! With the engine still running, turn off all lights, the radio, and any other electrical appliances: rev the engine to a “fast idle” speed that is just above its normal idle speed, but do not rev it. Keep the engine running at this idle speed for about a minute, then release the throttle and turn the ignition off.
I found this significantly improves battery health while idle and gives you a quicker start the next day. Of course, don’t forget to check the battery cells periodically to make sure the “plates” are covered in electrolyte, unless it’s a maintenance-free battery. If necessary, buy a bottle of “Battery Life” or any other brand of distilled water, which is generally available cheaply at most gas stations, and gently add it to each cell until the dark plates are covered. Do not fill too much.
I’m currently experimenting with a friend’s car that has a maintenance-free battery, and so far that minute of fast idle leaves it with a high charge … between 12.97 and 13.25 volts when I check in the next day.
Hope this little tip helps you greatly in maintaining your battery. Feel free to leave comments or questions. I will appreciate your comments here on the site. I hope to also give some other timely advice if my life is saved, not only in cars, but in other areas of my interest, and that may also be of help to you who will follow my advice. I am a customer-centric type of person and I always try to make sure that others benefit as well.
You can also visit another site that I sometimes use for recreation. This one isn’t about cars, but you may find it entertaining and relaxing – it’s called Eager Zebra Games, and you can easily get to it when you visit the main TripleClicks site listed below.
Happy motorsport everyone!
© Charles O’B. Harewood, 2018