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Your car battery is essential in getting your vehicle on the road. Even old-school internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles require a stout, weather-resistant battery to turn a starter motor and get gas-powered cars moving. However, if you don’t take good care of your battery, it could let you down and leave you stranded.

You could incur some car battery trouble if you don’t take good care of your power supply

Ok, sure, your accessories, lights, and other equipment require power from your charging system as a whole, not just your car battery. Instead, your alternator turns and generates current for your vehicle while it’s driving. However, if your battery is flat, your car might as well be a rolling paperweight.

Don’t fret, though. There are plenty of things you can do to keep your car battery in tip-top running order. Here are a few of the things I recommend as part of your maintenance efforts.

Drive your car regularlyOne of the best ways to keep your battery healthy is to drive your car regularly. Your alternator should help keep your battery charged up and ready. 
If you must jump it, drive it to top up the battery capacityShould you need to jumpstart your car battery, follow the correct sequence and drive your car for at least 30 minutes after starting. 
If you don’t drive regularly, consider using a tender and maintainer comboIf your vehicle doesn’t get routine drive time, use a battery tender and maintainer combination. A tender and maintainer will add juice to your battery and keep it at working levels without overcharging. 
Keep your battery terminals clean and clear of corrosionYou may notice some bluish corrosion material on your terminals. Use a compound of baking soda and water to clean the terminals. 
Consider replacing your old battery five years or soFinally, your car’s battery is a consumable part, like tires and air filters. Consider replacing it after five years or so or as needed. 

If you stick to these guidelines, you should be able to depend on your battery. Of course, some batteries will exhibit premature wear or factory defects. If you suspect your battery or charging system of malfunctioning, consider getting it evaluated.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).