Battery Maintenance and Care

It’s easy to put your vehicle’s battery on the backburner. While the battery may not need to be checked as often as your engine oil or tires, it plays an important role in your vehicle’s overall functioning. Without the battery, your ride is unusable. Neglect can significantly shorten the battery’s lifespan, leading to early replacement. The good news? There are several steps you can take to make your battery last its full term. 

Help Maximize Your Battery’s Lifespan and Performance 

Want to maximize your battery’s lifespan? The first and easiest thing you can do is keep it clean. While there’s no specific set routine to this one, just make sure to check your battery for debris and gunk. Our experts over here at Mopar® suggest using a baking soda paste to clean build-up off the terminals, or visit your local Mopar Dealer. 

Intense movement can also shorten your battery’s lifespan, so it’s a good idea to secure your battery. Remember to only use heavy-duty battery clamps for this. 

Lastly, regularly test your battery’s power using a voltmeter. Don’t let its charge fall any lower than 12.5 volts – anything below this level is risky. 

You can also use some simple day-to-day tricks to help maximize your battery’s lifespan. Surprisingly, taking long drives can help your battery. When you only take short commutes, the battery doesn’t get as much time to recharge, which can quickly zap its power. Spending a little extra time on the road allows for reasonable recharge time. 

Your vehicle battery can also benefit from excess heat avoidance. Consider parking in the shade when you’re able, as consistent heat exposure can shorten the battery’s lifespan. Clean starts can take some pressure off your battery as well. Ensure a clean start-up by shutting off additional, unnecessary features before you start your vehicle. Turn on the ignition without starting the engine, then power on your infotainment center. Turn off any extra lights, the climate control system, heated seating, and other optional technologies. Unplugging your phone from the USB port can even help maximize power.  

Telltale Signs for Battery Replacement 

Charge loss is the most obvious sign that your vehicle’s battery is approaching its end. It’s probably time for an upgrade if you find yourself frequently recharging your battery. Watch for physical warning signs as well, such as a bloated (swollen) battery, corrosion, stains, and an unpleasant “rotten egg” scent. Keep an eye on the check engine light, slow or hesitant engine starts, and low power supply. You should always upgrade your battery when it’s four to five years old, regardless of its condition. 

Testing and Charging Your Battery the Right Way

You don’t have to stop by the maintenance center to charge your battery. Mopar Parts and Accessories offers model-specific battery chargers, so whether you own a Wrangler, a Ram, a Pacifica, or anything in between, you can get an OEM battery charger that meets your needs. You can also use an official Mopar battery tester/charger combo to charge and test your battery at home. If you don’t want to take the DIY route, you can schedule a service visit and let a professional Mopar technician handle it all for you. 

Schedule Your Mopar Service Visit

Battery troubles got you down? Visit an official Mopar Service Center for help with charging, testing, and replacements. Mopar technicians are trained to work on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, and FIAT models. Choosing the original manufacturer’s services can help protect your warranty and promote your vehicle’s longevity. Sticking with Mopar will also provide you with top-notch diagnostics thanks to wiTECH 2.0 technology so that you’re not wasting time or money treating the wrong problem.

Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Fiat dealerships are home to the Mopar Service Center. Schedule a battery checkup here by picking your preferred dealer and supplying your name, contact information, vehicle details, necessary services, and appointment time.