Why does the Tiguan L's battery only last for a little over 2 years?
2 Answers
It is mainly due to insufficient daily maintenance by the owner. Under normal circumstances, it can last for three years. Below are some precautions for car battery maintenance: 1. Avoid leaving the vehicle parked for extended periods: The car battery will self-discharge over time when left idle. It is best to drive the vehicle at least once a week, with a trip duration of at least 20 minutes, to allow the battery to recharge while driving. 2. Close windows before turning off the engine: The power windows and sunroof rely on the battery for operation. Therefore, it is advisable to close all windows before turning off the engine, rather than after. Avoid using the long-press lock button method to close windows after leaving the vehicle. 3. Keep the battery clean and tidy: Regular inspections are an effective way to extend the battery's lifespan. Use a professional battery terminal brush or an old toothbrush to clean dust and corrosion from the positive and negative terminals. Apply a layer of protective coating, such as petroleum jelly or grease, to the contact surfaces to form a protective film.
I've been driving the Tiguan L for over two years and have noticed frequent battery issues—it doesn't seem to last long. This might be due to the numerous electrical features in modern cars, like navigation, reverse cameras, and Bluetooth, which are always on and drain the battery quickly. Mostly, I drive short distances in the city, such as the 10-minute morning school run for my kids. The car barely starts before shutting off again, leaving no time for the battery to fully recharge. This cycle of insufficient charging accelerates battery aging. Once in winter, when temperatures dropped below freezing, the battery drained exceptionally fast—cold weather thickens the electrolyte, reducing performance. To extend battery life, I recommend taking longer drives to allow full recharging or opting for cold-resistant battery types in frigid regions. For maintenance, regularly check if the terminals are clean; I get the voltage tested at the dealership every six months to avoid unexpected breakdowns.