6 Easy Ways To Help Extend Your Rental Car Battery’s Life

A car or automotive battery is a rechargeable battery used to ignite or start a vehicle by powering the motor which will activate internal combustion hence moving the car. All the car’s electrical systems are powered by the battery and that’s why it’s a very important part of any car’s life span. A car battery will last between 3 to 5 years depending on how you take care of it and although numerous factors can cut short the battery’s life, there is a possibility that you could avoid early flat out of a battery.

Planning to rent a car in Uganda or already own one, we present to you 5 easy ways that will extend the life of your car battery to avoid any inconveniences during a road trip.

1- Regular Battery Voltage check-ups

Always endeavor to check the voltage level of your rental car battery before you even think of hitting the road. You can visit a gas station or nearby garage and let the mechanics do the testing or you could simply buy a Voltmeter; a handy car gadget that determines the battery charge level with a fully charged battery reading between 12 to 12.9 Volts and if the battery reading isn’t between these two numbers, then it’s clear you need to take it to the mechanic as soon as possible. You can purchase a voltmeter in Uganda for as low as UGX 22000 and save yourself from unwanted battery failure.

2- Regular battery cleaning

Just like any other part of the car, the battery also requires regular cleansing from dirt or pollution, these can easily cause a leak to the battery leading to short circuits hence battery failure. Battery terminals always tend to corrode and clamps build-up which affects the flow of electricity hence leading to an inefficient battery. So if you want to prolong the life of your car battery, then you should make sure you take time to clean it spotlessly.

3- Regularly check battery fluid levels

A car battery can only be filled after being fully charged, the fluid levels should be about 3/4 inch from the battery top. You risk damaging the battery if the fluid levels drop below the plates and that’s its very vital to always check the water levels just before you start driving your own or rental car in Uganda.

4- Avoid leaving your car undriven for a long period

Another simple way to help extend the battery life is by simply avoiding resting the car for a long time as this means that the car battery won’t have enough time to recharge since it’s not being used. If you are not a regular car user, at least fix some 30 minutes for a short ride just to warm up the engine and get the car fluids flowing. Don’t be surprised if you need to take the battery to the mechanic after weeks of layoff. If you can drive it, then at least check that its fully charged using the voltmeter.

5- Turn off electric gadgets when the engine stops

You can easily drain your battery power if you keep on the headlights, interior lights, Radio or DVD player plus AC or any other electric accessory without starting the engine. The car alternator goes off when the engine is not on hence the electronic features will all have to use the battery hence draining it as fast as a baby sipping juice. Always make sure you switch off everything just before you leave your car and this habit will help you in the long run to extend the battery lifespan.

6- Regular car servicing

Regular visits to the mechanic is strongly advised whether you just rented a car online or your own, always ask your mechanic to update you about the battery status every time you take it for servicing especially after long-distance trips.

Whether it’s a rental car or your own, it’s very important to take of your battery as it contributes alot to the whole mechanism of a vehicle. For more information about car battery tips, simply send us an email to info@ugandacarrentalservices.com or call us now on +256-700135510 to speak with our reservations team.

By Bryan Muhoozi