Batteries

Everything You Need to Know About Your Vehicle's Battery

No one wants to get stuck with a dead car battery, especially during a West Virginia winter! Check out some of our tips for keeping your battery in top-shape for as long as possible, as well as ways to know when your battery has seen better days.

How to Extend Your Car Battery’s Life:

Do a monthly inspection-Check your vehicle’s battery about once per month to makes sure there aren’t any leaks or corrosion. You should also clean up any buildup you see. Use an anti-seize lubricant or a mix of baking soda and water to remove any corrosion. If you have any questions, our service team at Morgantown Mitsubishi would be happy to walk you through the process.

Don’t use accessories before driving-Before plugging in your phone, using the radio, or turning on any lights, make sure your car has already been turned on and you’re driving it. You shouldn’t operate any electronics while the car is off because you’re relying on the battery for a type of use it isn’t meant for. Car batteries provide a burst of power to your ignition, not for electronics, and using your battery incorrectly will shorten its lifespan and damage it.

Don’t crank up the thermostat-When you climb into your car in the winter, your first instinct is probably to crank the heat all the way up. This actually puts a huge strain on your battery. Instead of putting the heat on full-force, slowly increase the temperature and give your car a chance to warm up before you crank the heat up all the way.

Battery Warning Signs:

• It takes a few cranks to start your car
• Your vehicle alternates between being easy and difficult to start
• You’ve had the battery for longer than 5 years
• You see a dashboard warning light that’s in the shape of a battery

If you notice any of the signs listed above, you should bring your vehicle in to Morgantown Mitsubishi as soon as possible. Our team will figure out a diagnosis, replace your battery, or handle anything else your vehicle might need. To set up an appointment, call 304-296-4402 or schedule one online.