1. Do the proper installation
Check that the battery is securely attached to the compartment, because when loose or improperly fitted, it will shake a lot and a short circuit may occur between the plates or internal connections. Check that the electrical cables are well connected and attached to the battery, as a gap between the cables and the poles increases the electrical resistance and favors the discharge. Perform a preventive overhaul of the alternator: this item supports and helps in battery efficiency. Do not buy second-hand automotive batteries, choose a new and quality product, learn more about JET products.
2. Avoid turning off the engine in congestion
Batteries wear out over a certain number of cycles in their useful life, depending on model and capacity. Thus, the less cycles the battery completes in a certain time, the longer it lasts.
In addition, the peak consumption generated at the start must be accompanied by sufficient time with the alternator running for the load to return to normal. In the end, therefore, turning the truck on and off excessively can even save fuel, but the battery runs out of power for the next start and still wears out faster.
3. Start up with the equipment turned off
This starting peak must be smoothed as much as possible so that the required current value is less. This means turning off headlights, radio, air conditioning, interior lights and whatever else is on before starting.
4. Disconnect devices with the engine stopped
With the engine off, the alternator does not perform its function. Without it, all equipment depends directly on the battery, which will not be recharged. So, despite the comfort and convenience that the radio and other accessories can offer when stopped, it is not recommended to leave them on if the engine is not running.
5. Do not install accessories of doubtful origin
Unaccounted for accessories do not undergo battery current consumption checks. To give you an idea, an inadequate radio is able to drain all the battery charge from the truck in a short time - if you leave the engine off. However, even with it on, accessories like this, if added together, can generate a deficit in the battery charge, accelerating consumption at a pace that the alternator is not able to keep up with.
6. Disconnect the battery if it stops for a few days
The injection plant, the alarm and some other components are always connected to the battery. Despite consuming little, if the engine is not started to provide recharging, the truck battery will be zeroed. Therefore, if it is not possible to start the engine from time to time, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery to make it last longer!
Source: adapted from the websites “Rodobens - 6 tips to make the truck battery last longer” and “G1 Globo - 13 tips to make the car battery last longer” | accessed on 12/25/2020.