When you own a commercial vehicle, it’s all about the bottom line. Are you getting the most bang for your buck with your company truck? Are you being cost-effective? What can you do to make your truck last longer and save you money? If these are questions that you’ve pondered, then you might be interested in learning how you can extend your vehicle’s battery life. Here are some tips:
- Give the battery a quick visual check on a regular basis to make sure everything is properly connected and appears as it should.
- During your inspection, watch for corrosion. Keeping the battery terminals free and clear of corrosion will lengthen the lifespan of your battery. If you do see corrosion, use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub it away.
- Keep the battery surface clean as well, as a dirty battery can draw low currents and drain the battery faster.
- Make sure the battery is not exposed to vibration. While some of this can’t be helped, making sure the battery is as secure as possible will prevent possible damage, which can lead to short circuits or even cause damage to your truck.
- Know the battery’s state charge level, and recharge it when necessary.
- Invest in a battery insulation kit if you don’t already have one. Temperature extremes can wreak havoc on truck batteries, so protect yours from the elements with an insulation kit.
- Get a battery charger that will keep your battery at an optimal charge level when the truck isn’t being used.
- Don’t use vehicle accessories , such as the radio, when the truck isn’t running.
- Avoid short trips if possible. With commercial vehicles, this isn’t always avoidable depending on the nature of your company. However, short trips can lead to reduced battery lifespan, so try to plan routes to include multiple stops or farther destinations.