There are many different parts of a car that we don’t know about. But the car battery is one of the few that we deal with regularly. From weekly acid level checks to making sure that the battery has enough charging. It is a part that we often come across. But this also makes this part have a lot of myths come along with it. So join us as we bust some car battery myths today!
1. The Warning Light Means Trouble
This isn’t necessary. The warning light can mean many things. Such as there might be a problem with the alternator. Or the car’s charging system is down. Thus, making the car run solely on battery. So if you continue to drive it without checking. It might lead to the car breaking down in the middle of the road.
2. Car’s Not Starting? Blame the Battery!
While a bad battery can cause your vehicle not to start. It’s not always the case. There might be corrosion on the terminals or the battery might be weak. But there might be other problems too. Such as a faulty starter motor, fuel injector, or spark plugs. These parts play an important role in starting your car. So remember to check them too when your car isn’t starting.
3. All Batteries Are the Same
While most car batteries contain acid, the way they work is different. Some batteries need you to top up their acid levels once they drop. While others have sealed caps that don’t allow you to refill them. Some batteries come with gel in place of acid water, while some are maintenance-free. If you wish to learn more. Read the Types of Car Batteries: A Comprehensive Guide.
4. Short Driving Recharges the Car Battery
Many think that short-distance driving recharges your car battery. But that isn’t true. If you aren’t driving much, your car battery drain. So you should run your car often to keep it at full charge. While driving for short distances might recharge your battery. The recommendation is to drive for at least 30 minutes. This practice keeps your battery in the best shape.
5. You Don’t Need to Check Maintenance-Free Batteries
While many might fall for the name “maintenance-free”, it might not be as true. Even these batteries need a checkup to make sure that they work in the best condition. You should follow common practices like terminal cleaning and clamp fixing. This makes sure that your battery doesn’t discharge and stays in good condition.
6. Jump-Starting a Flat Battery Doesn’t Harm It
There might be situations where you need to jump-start a flat battery. After all, you can’t always take out the battery to take it to your mechanic. But many say that it doesn’t harm your battery. While it might be true that the battery stays all right. There is more strain on the alternator. As it has to work extra to provide enough energy to charge the battery.
7. Heavier Batteries Are Better
While better batteries do have extra lead in them. Sometimes lower-quality batteries might have dead weight in them. These batteries don’t have lead, but add this weight to make them seem better. So if you’re just going after the weight. It might not be a good strategy. So what can you do to save yourself from this scam? Always get your car battery from a good brand.
8. A Concrete Floor Discharges the Battery
While this was true back in the day, it isn’t anymore. Previously, batteries were made out of wood. This made them lose their charge when you ground them. The newer batteries come with a hard rubber casing. This casing seals the battery tightly. Thus, removing any chances of discharging through the casing. So you can keep your car battery on the concrete without worry.
9. Car Batteries Have Fixed Lifespans
You might think that your car battery has a fixed life. But that completely depends on how fresh it was when you got it. Other things that affect the life of your battery are how you install it, and how often you drive. The best way to get your car battery to last long is to invest in a good brand. We suggest the ACDelco Battery that lasts longer than the conventional ones.
10. Car Batteries Last a Lifetime If You Care for Them
Unfortunately, car batteries can’t keep up that long. They have a life too, and thus, weaken over time. The alternator’s life also decreases as it charges the battery again and again. Although, the battery won’t suddenly die. But you’ll see it getting weaker with time. The only thing you can do is you can increase the life of your battery. How? Read our piece on Car Battery Maintenance 101 and extend the life of your car battery!
11. A Weak Battery Doesn’t Affect Fuel Economy
While many might think that as long as the battery is working, it’s working. That’s not the case. When the battery starts to get weaker, it adds load. The alternator directly takes on this load to charge the battery more. In turn, adding more load to your engine to keep this part running. Thus, using more gas. So remember that even your battery increases the amount of fuel your car burns.
12. Car Batteries Last Longer in Summers
While starting your car might be difficult in cold weather. The battery’s lifespan decreases in hot climates. The liquid that holds your battery together evaporates faster in very hot conditions. Thus, decreasing the performance of your battery. The ideal temperature for a battery is 20°C as the battery ages at higher temperatures. But you’ll only find this out during winter. When the battery needs extra power to start.
Time to Drive
Now you can notice the myths from the facts. It’s time to get a checkup for your car battery. And who better than car battery professionals? We suggest you to visit Central Trading Company in Dubai. They have battery experts who know the difference between facts and myths. So book an appointment today and treat your car with the best!
