7 Tips to Extend Your Car Battery Life

Car batteries are an essential part of an automobile. From getting your car started to charging your phone on-the-go, batteries provide the zap your vehicle needs to keep rolling. That’s why it’s so important to know when to start considering a car battery change, as well as what you can do to extend its lifespan.

The Average Car Battery Life

n average, car batteries last between 3 and 5 years.  One of the most important factors that affects how long a car battery will last is the weather. A running engine under the hood is already producing high levels of heat. Throw in a scorching hot day and you have a severe drain on your car battery, which can lead to an increased chance of a dead battery if you don’t take proper summer driving precautions.

Warm weather can cause fluid in car batteries to evaporate, damaging the internal structure of the battery. That’s why average battery life is shorter in warmer climates. So when estimating how long your car battery life will last, consider the climate you will do most of your driving in.

Regardless of the temperature you drive in, properly taking care of your car battery can help keep it running. Check out the seven tips below on extending the life of your car battery:

1. Limit Short Rides

Quick car rides prevent your car’s battery from fully charging. Maintain your car’s battery power by driving it frequently and for extended periods. If you don’t use your car often, consider investing in a portable car battery charger. These portable chargers can jump start your battery without another vehicle in case you’re ever stranded..

2. Keep Your Battery Tightly Fastened

A battery that’s not securely fastened could vibrate, potentially resulting in internal damage and short circuits. Have your battery terminal checked regularly – especially if you frequently drive on bumpy roads – to ensure it is tightly and properly positioned in the mounting bracket.

3. Turn Off All the Lights When You Exit

Accidentally keeping your headlights and car door lights on can put a heavy toll on your vehicle’s battery To keep yourself from forgetting, post a note on your dashboard, attach a sticker reminder on your car remote or park in a direction where you must walk past your headlights to get to your destination.

4. Control the Corrosion

Battery terminals corrode over time but keeping them clean from buildup is a great way to extend the life of your car battery. Scrub the terminals with a toothbrush dipped in a baking soda and water mixture. Then, using a spray bottle with cold water, rinse the mixture off and follow up with a thorough drying with a clean cloth.

5. Test Your Battery Often

Knowing the condition of your car battery matters when you want to maximize its life. Test your battery’s output voltage level with a car battery tester to keep track of how well you’re maintaining it and if you’re due for a new one.

6. Don’t Use Electronics While Idling

Turn off functions like the radio or air conditioner when your engine isn’t running to put less wear and tear on your battery power. Extended periods of idling also can wear a battery down.

7. Care for Your Whole Car

Your car is comprised of many parts working together. Making sure you are taking your car in for routine tune ups, as well as properly storing your vehicle are also simple ways to ensure your battery’s lifespan can reach its full capacity. The battery is just one component of a well-running car, so make sure to properly maintain all parts of your car to extend its life and the life of your battery.

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Tips for driving at night

Driving a car at night doesn’t have to be intimidating. Follow these tips to reduce the risk and drive with greater confidence after the sun has gone down.

1. Avoid driving while tired

The less rested you are, the less attentive you’ll be while driving. If you feel your eyelids growing heavy and your attention span waning, it’s time to take action. Caffeine, listening to music, or getting some fresh air by opening a window can all help increase alertness. But if nothing is working, it’s important to be honest with yourself. Instead of taking a risk to push through the fatigue, find somewhere safe to stop and rest. Whether it’s just a couple of hours to recharge or a full night’s sleep, don’t be afraid to give yourself the time you need.

2. Try to steer clear of two-lane highways

You’re driving down a two-lane highway at night, not another car in sight, you go around a turn, and suddenly you’re being blinded by a pair of high beams. That’s the risk that comes with driving on two-lane highways at night. Try to avoid the glare from oncoming headlights by sticking to roads with multiple lanes, if possible. You can minimize that blinding effect by simply moving over to the rightmost lane.

3. Clean your windshield and mirrors

Visibility is a huge part of safety when driving at night. The better you can see, the safer you’ll be. This means ensuring your windshield and mirrors are all clean and clear. A dirty windshield scatters light and worsens the effects of glare, so don’t be afraid to hit the windshield cleaner as often as you need.

4. Modify interior car lights

Light sources inside your car can create a distraction as your eyes move between the road outside and the dashboard. To counteract this, keep unnecessary interior lights off and dim the brightness of your display lights. You should still be able to see important features like your speedometer without risking distraction from excessive light.

5. Adjust your headlights

Your headlights are the star of the show when driving at night, so be sure they’re ready to perform. The protective plastic on them should be kept clean and the bulbs within should be bright enough to do their job. The angle your headlights are facing also matters. Too low and you won’t be able to see what’s ahead, but too high and you risk impairing the vision of oncoming traffic. If you aren’t able to adjust your headlights on your own, a dealership or auto shop can help.

6. Use high beams when appropriate

Properly functioning high beams dramatically improve visibility and can create much safer driving conditions, especially in poorly lit areas like back roads. But the power of these brighter lights can easily blind other drivers coming in the opposite direction, so switch to low beams when you spot oncoming traffic.

7. Slow down when driving at night

When you consider the reduced visibility and increased likelihood of encountering drivers who aren’t giving the road their fullest attention, it’s easy to understand why you should drive slower at night. Driving slower is the best way to ensure you have as much time as possible to react to anything unexpected, whether that’s a deer in the road or you’re approaching a stop sign.

Be extra mindful of your speed if road conditions are wet or icy. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recommends reducing your speed by one-third during rainy weather and one-half for snow.2 You should also watch your speed while approaching a vehicle going slower than you.

There should be about a three-second difference between you and any car in front of you. That means if the car in front passes a telephone pole, three seconds should elapse before you pass it. This rule applies at all times of the day, but it’s particularly important at night.

While it’s clear that driving a car at night poses increased safety risks, knowing what to watch out for and being proactive will help keep you safe. Plan your route, make smart decisions, and follow the tips in this article to make the driving experience a safer one for you and everyone else on the road.

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How to Wear a Seatbelt When Pregnant

Remember, wearing a seatbelt is the best way to stay safe while riding in a car. And pregnant or not, the right way to buckle up is the same—with the lap belt low and flat over your hips and the shoulder belt snug across your chest and shoulder.

But pregnancy does change your body—and your comfort level in the car. These tips can help make sure you and your growing belly are comfortable and secure on the journey.

1. Lift your belly and position the lap belt snugly across the tops of your thighs and hip bones.

Never place the lap belt over or on top of your belly. A seat belt over your vulnerable belly could harm your baby or the placenta in the event of a crash.

2. Position the shoulder belt between your breasts and off to the side of your belly.

This protects your head and chest and keeps the lap belt from sliding up over your belly.

3. Tilt the steering wheel upward. Your growing belly needs extra room in the car.

Tilt the steering wheel up and away from your belly.

4. Slide your seat as far away from the steering wheel as possible.

Sit as far back as you can comfortably to protect your belly from the airbag in a crash.

5. Adjust your seat to a comfortable upright position.

Reclining your seat too far increases the gap between your shoulder and the seat belt and puts extra pressure on the uterus.

If your growing belly prevents you from driving comfortably while wearing your seatbelt properly, maybe it’s time to take a break from driving. Consider letting someone else play chauffeur until after delivery. And remember to move your seat as far back as you can, even as a passenger. Airbags can save lives, but they can also be dangerous if you’re too close during deployment.

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The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Car Keychain

A cluttered keychain can be a constant source of frustration and inconvenience. When it comes to car keys, organization is key, no pun intended. An organized car keychain not only makes it easier to find your keys but also helps prevent damage to your vehicle’s ignition and locks. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to organize your car keychain efficiently.

  1. Remove Unnecessary Keys

The first step in organizing your car keychain is to declutter. Remove any keys that you no longer need or use. This might include keys to old locks, padlocks, or doors that are no longer relevant. Reducing the number of keys on your keychain will make it more manageable.

  1. Separate Keys by Function

Once you’ve identified the keys you need to keep, separate them by function. Group your car keys together, your house keys together, and any other keys for different purposes. This separation will help you quickly locate the key you need when you need it.

  1. Use Key Rings and Key Tags

Key rings and key tags can be incredibly useful for organization. Assign a different color or shape key tag to each set of keys, making them easily distinguishable. Additionally, use separate key rings for different sets of keys. This way, you can remove the keyring you need without having to fumble through a jumble of keys.

  1. Invest in a Key Organizer

If you’re looking for a more sophisticated solution, consider investing in a key organizer. Key organizers are compact devices that neatly hold your keys in a foldable or stackable fashion. They not only reduce the bulkiness of your keychain but also protect your pockets from being scratched by keys.

  1. Use a Keychain Accessory

There are various keychain accessories available that can help you stay organized. Some keychain accessories come with built-in tools like bottle openers or small flashlights. These can be handy in various situations, reducing the need for carrying additional tools.

  1. Keyless Entry and Remote Start

If your car is equipped with keyless entry and remote start features, consider using these instead of traditional keys. Many modern vehicles allow you to use your smartphone to unlock and start your car, eliminating the need for physical keys altogether.

  1. Secure Your Car Keys

For added security, especially if you have a keyless ignition system, consider using a key signal blocking pouch or a Faraday bag. These devices block the signals from your key fob, preventing thieves from remotely accessing your car.

Conclusion

A well-organized car keychain not only reduces frustration but also ensures that you have quick and easy access to your keys when you need them. By removing unnecessary keys, separating keys by function, using key rings and key tags, investing in key organizers, and considering keyless entry options, you can keep your car keychain neat and efficient. Remember that an organized keychain is not only convenient but also helps protect your vehicle and enhance your overall driving experience. So, take a few minutes to declutter and organize your car keys, and you’ll thank yourself every time you reach for them.

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How To Drive In Fog

It’s never ideal to drive in dense or heavy fog. Here are tips for when you have to keep driving.

Dense fog can create dangerous conditions on the road, especially if it’s extremely dense fog or combined with other severe weather conditions. The safest thing to do is pull over into a parking area until the fog clears.

How to drive in fog

  • Minimize distractions. Silence your cell phone and the stereo. Put distractions like your cell phone in a place where you won’t be tempted to reach for them while driving, like the glove compartment.
  • Reduce your speed. Because you can’t see the road or other vehicles, a low speed can help you react safely.
  • Roll down your window. This allows you to listen for cars and emergency vehicles.
  • Use roadside reflectors as a guide. The markings can help you navigate twists and turns.
  • Turn off cruise control. This will maximize your control of your vehicle.
  • Use windshield wipers and defrosters. These will help limit excess moisture on the window and reduce glare.
  • Drive with low beams and fog lights. High beams/bights can worsen visibility because they reflect off the fog.
  • Use the right edge of the road as a guide. Helps you stay in your lane and not “drift” into the middle lane.
  • Increase your following distance from other cars to ensure you have the proper time to respond to any obstacles. A good rule of thumb is to increase your count distance by at least 5 seconds instead of the normal 2 seconds behind another vehicle.
  • Beware of animals on the road. Animals, especially white tail deer, feel bolder under cover of fog and are much harder to see. The lowered visibility in dense fog means less time for you to see them, and for them to see you.

 

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5 Top Tips for Maintaining Your Car

Car maintenance is crucial, and the following tips can potentially make a big difference in terms of your strategy.

#1 Watch How You Drive

One of the best ways to keep your car in good condition is watching how you drive. Indeed, in many cases, driving carelessly can leave you causing unnecessary wear and tear to the engine and the vehicle’s systems as a whole.

In accordance with this, driving more carefully (for example, controlling your speed rather than accelerating and decelerating heavily) could keep your car in better condition.

#2 Complete Regular Checks

Where possible, try to run regular checks on your vehicle to make sure that avoidable issues don’t become prominent. Indeed, keeping an eye on your car’s performance through regular checks can make a big difference for car maintenance.

#3 Check Parts Carefully

When maintaining your car, ensuring you’re using the right parts for the vehicle during repairs is crucial. Indeed, parts that aren’t quite designed for the car can actually do damage, especially over time. This could cause a significant amount of damage; so, even though dedicated parts may be more expensive, they’ll often be a better investment compared to generic off the shelf parts.

Of course, this also requires that you know exactly the type of part you need and how to fit these. So, if you’re not sure, getting a professional to do the work for you could help.

Similarly, if you’re buying a new car, make sure you’ve run a car check first before buying a vehicle to ensure there weren’t any significant advisories from its last MOT.

#4 Keep Tires in Good Condition

Many of us run our tires down until they develop a serious leak. However, underinflated tires can impact on your fuel efficiency and the amount of wear and tear on your car. As such, keeping tires in good condition is integral to keep your car in better condition.

#5 Clean Regularly

There’s more to maintenance than just replacing broken parts; keeping your existing systems in good condition is also vital, and cleaning regularly is an integral part of this. Cleaning internally and externally helps prevent dirt and debris from building up, thereby reducing the wear on the car. This includes regular cleaning and vacuuming to keep things in great condition. Using a microfiber cloth may also help reduce the risk of scratches and other such damage.

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5 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Wiper Blades

Windshield wipers are vital necessities that help keep you safe on the road. When neglected, dull wiper blades can cause problems during a sudden downpour, which is why keeping them properly maintained is so important. Here are a few of our top windshield wiper care tips to help ensure your wipers are always ready to go.

Defrost and Scrape Before Using the Wipers

Windshield wipers tend to stick when there’s been heavy snow or ice, causing them to snap if you turn them on before defrosting the windshield. In freezing temperatures, run the defroster first and scrape away any snow or ice, if necessary. It’s helpful if you warm up the car ahead of time with the defroster on high, especially if you have an early morning commute.

Replace the Blades at Least Twice a Year

Wiper blades are only designed to last about six months. After that, you’ll start to notice a decline in your driving visibility. To help combat this problem, buy replacements every six months and change them on time. You’ll also need to keep an eye on the blades for signs of early wear, such as smearing, skipping, or squeaking across the glass. The process is so easy, in fact, that you can do it yourself with a little practice.

Keep the Windshield Clean

Your car’s wiper blades are going to wear more quickly if they’re wiping across filthy glass. To help prolong their longevity, clean your windshield every time you stop to fill up at a gas station. Most stations provide a squeegee specifically for this use, so take advantage of it. Just be sure to inspect the sponge before use and wipe it with a paper towel when needed, as communal squeegees can harbor small rocks and other debris that can scratch your windshield.

Never Run the Wipers on a Dry Windshield

Windshield wipers are designed to be used when the windshield is wet. Operating them on a dry surface can cause the wipers to wear out much more quickly than they would normally, which only causes extras headaches. When you do need to clean a dry windshield, such as when there’s pollen buildup on the glass, press the washer button first. This will require you to keep your car topped up on windshield washer fluid, which is another thing to remember as part of your wipers’ routine maintenance.

Reposition the Blades During the Winter Months

Dealing with frozen windshield wipers is the last thing you want to be doing before work on a cold winter morning. To prevent this problem, pull the wiper blades away from the windshield the night before a freeze. This keeps the rubber squeegee part of the blades from freezing to the glass, and it makes it easier to scrape away any ice and snow.

Taking care of your car requires paying attention to the little things. When it comes to your windshield wipers, getting into a routine and being vigilant can ensure they’re always ready to go when you need them.

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Driving Safety Tips For Teen

Driving safety is essential for everyone, but it’s particularly crucial for teenagers who are new to driving and may lack experience. Here are some driving safety tips for teens:

  1. Follow Traffic Laws: Obey all traffic laws, including speed limits, stop signs, and traffic signals. Ignoring these rules can lead to accidents and tickets.
  2. Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving. It’s best to keep your phone out of reach or use a hands-free device if you need to make a call.
  3. Always Wear Seatbelts: Seatbelts save lives. Make sure you and all your passengers are wearing their seatbelts at all times, no matter how short the trip.
  4. Mind the Speed Limit: Speeding is a common cause of accidents, especially for young drivers. Always drive at or below the posted speed limit and adjust your speed according to road and weather conditions.
  5. Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. The three-second rule is a good guideline. This gives you enough time to react if the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops.
  6. Use Turn Signals: Always use your turn signals to indicate your intentions to other drivers. This helps reduce the risk of collisions.
  7. Avoid Aggressive Driving: Road rage and aggressive driving can lead to dangerous situations. Stay calm and patient, and avoid aggressive behaviors like tailgating or excessive speeding.
  8. Adapt to Weather Conditions: Adjust your driving to match weather conditions. Slow down in rain, snow, or fog, and make sure your vehicle’s lights and wipers are working correctly.
  9. Avoid Driving Under the Influence: Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other impairing substances. Even small amounts can impair your judgment and reaction time.
  10. Limit Nighttime Driving: If you’re a new driver, it’s a good idea to limit nighttime driving until you gain more experience. Reduced visibility and fatigue can make nighttime driving riskier.
  11. Stay Alert and Rested: Fatigue can impair your ability to drive safely. Get enough rest before getting behind the wheel, and if you feel drowsy while driving, pull over and take a break.
  12. Practice Defensive Driving: Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate the actions of other drivers. Defensive driving can help you avoid accidents caused by the mistakes of others.
  13. Know Your Vehicle: Familiarize yourself with your car’s controls, including lights, wipers, and emergency features. Regularly check your vehicle’s tires, brakes, and other critical components.
  14. Take a Defensive Driving Course: Consider enrolling in a defensive driving course. These courses can teach you advanced driving techniques and safety strategies.
  15. Limit Passengers: Having too many passengers in the car can be distracting. In many places, new drivers are subject to passenger restrictions for the first few months of driving.
  16. Plan Your Routes: Before heading out, plan your route, and consider using a GPS or a navigation app to help you stay on track.

Remember that safe driving is a responsibility, and your choices behind the wheel can have far-reaching consequences. Always prioritize safety and make responsible decisions while driving.

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7 Car Noises You Should Never Ignore

Hmm. Purr. Vroom. Modern engineering has made driving a car easier on the ears than ever.

But there are some car noises you don’t want to hear, because they can signal trouble. Every once in a while, roll down the windows and start listening for “any sound that is odd,” says Mike Peth, director of technical training at Ohio Technical College in Cleveland. “You know your car, so you can often pick up something that may become a problem.”

1. A sound like a coin in a clothes dryer

What it means: If you hear something rattling around inside a wheel at low speeds (and then stops as you drive faster) it could be a loose lug nut inside a hub cap. That might mean your wheel wasn’t tightened properly the last time it was removed and replaced. Take your car to a mechanic ASAP.

2. Brakes squealing, grinding or growling

What it means: If you hear a squealing noise, your brake pads or shoes might be nearing the end of their service life and must be replaced. If they grind or growl, get your brakes checked out immediately. It could be a sign that pads are so worn that metal is touching metal—a serious problem that could affect braking efficiency.

3. A finger-snapping, popping or clicking sound when you turn

What it means: If you have a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive vehicle and hear this sound when you turn or corner (but the noise stops when you steer straight) one or both of the constant velocity (CV) joints on your front axle could need replacing.

4. A rhythmic squeak that speeds up as you accelerate

What it means: If you have rear-wheel or four-wheel drive and hear this sound, the culprit could be the universal joint (U-joint), which are found in pairs and are components of the driveshaft. Get it checked by a mechanic immediately.

5.  A howling, whining or even “singing”

What it means: This is usually a sign that your bearings—tiny metal balls that help parts rotate smoothly—aren’t doing their job. But which ones? If you have front-wheel drive, and the sound changes as you turn left, right and back again, it’s likely your front-wheel bearings; a gradually growing, steady howl signals rear-wheel bearings. If you have rear-wheel drive and the whine gets louder as you accelerate, your differential, which allows your wheels to spin at different rates when needed, could be leaking fluid. Get it fixed immediately.

6. Rhythmic clunking, tapping or banging from under the hood

What it means: There could be a serious problem with valves, connecting rods or pistons. Get to a mechanic ASAP.

7. Squealing under the hood at start-up or when accelerating

What it means: This could come from worn or loose accessory belts that drive things like your power steering pump, air conditioner compressor and alternator. With newer cars, it may point to the serpentine belt, which drives multiple accessories at once, and is relatively easy and cheap to fix.

 

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Tips & Tricks for Cleaning Your Car

If you drive a lot for work or have kids and pets, you know how hard it can be to keep the inside of your car clean. Here are cleaning tips and tricks to make your car’s interior sparkle again.

  • A plastic laundry basket is ideal for this task because it is lightweight, sturdy, and has handles that make it comfortable to carry. However, there are plenty of other options if you don’t have a plastic laundry basket and don’t want to invest in one for this job. A woven basket, medium garbage pail, large canvas tote bag, or even a grocery or trash bag are perfectly fine—you just want a receptacle in which you can toss a bunch of disparate items and carry them into the house.
  • Similarly, if you do not own a handheld vacuum and do not wish to buy one, you can use a dust broom or your hands to sweep car seats clean.
  • In place of vacuuming the floor mats, remove them from the car and shake or beat them.
  • Microfiber will leave a car’s dashboard and console clean without requiring the use of a separate cleaning agent. Microfiber can also be used to polish glass, without requiring glass cleaner. To remove sticky spills, dampen the microfiber cloth with water for more cleaning power.
  • The use of a timer is optional but recommended, especially for those with a bit of a competitive streak. You’re likely to find yourself racing through the job to “beat” the timer, turning the chore into a game. The use of a timer is also helpful for those who feel overwhelmed by cleaning tasks in general, as it helps to reset expectations around how much time and effort actually goes into performing dreaded tasks.
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