Under normal usage, a car battery typically needs replacement after about two years. With proper use and maintenance, it can last for more than four years. However, improper use and maintenance can lead to premature failure within a few months. Therefore, correct usage of the car battery is crucial. Common driving habits that can harm the battery: Using in-car electrical devices for extended periods while the engine is off. This is a situation many car owners frequently encounter in daily use and is also easily overlooked. To save fuel, many drivers choose to turn off the engine and sit in the car listening to the radio or watching DVDs, etc. While this achieves the goal of saving fuel, it can significantly damage the battery. The correct practice is to avoid listening to the radio continuously for more than 30 minutes while the engine is off, and it is also not advisable to use in-car DVD players and similar devices in this state. Using external power devices while the engine is off: Devices like car vacuum cleaners or portable air pumps should never be used when the vehicle is turned off. Due to their high power consumption, prolonged use in this state can quickly deplete the battery, affecting the vehicle's normal startup. Methods to determine if replacement is needed: If no tools are available, you can check by turning on the headlights. Bright white light indicates a normal battery, while dim red light suggests insufficient power. When starting the engine, if it turns over normally and the lights dim slightly but remain adequately bright, the battery is in good condition with sufficient charge. If the starter seems weak and the lights become very dim, it indicates excessive battery discharge, requiring immediate charging, maintenance, or replacement. If the horn sounds weak when the engine is off, it suggests the battery power is low. Battery inspection mainly focuses on two data points: voltage and starting current. It's best to perform these checks when the engine is cold. The battery voltage must be above 12V; if it's below 12V, it's time to consider replacing the battery. Checking the starting current is more specialized and is usually done at a car repair shop or 4S store with professional equipment. Normally, the starting current does not decrease with the battery's lifespan, so as long as the cold voltage remains above 12V, there's no significant impact on vehicle usage.
