No matter what you do, your vehicle's battery is eventually going to die and it will probably happen at the worst possible time.  The useful life of a car battery is about 5 years, so keeping track of your battery's condition and remaining life expectancy is very important.  Keep a record of when you purchased your battery and write down how many years it is rated to last.  Keep your receipt for the battery purchase because most batteries have a pro-rated refund policy if they die prematurely.  Be mindful of how your vehicle operates when the battery is new to compare it against the operation when the battery is nearing its rated lifespan.  There are several tell-tale signs that may indicate a weak battery, like a starter that turns over slowly, a weak sounding horn or headlights that are dim.  If your vehicle is experiencing any of these signs then its time to have your battery checked.  Our goal here at Auto Haus is to help you take care of your battery, thereby reducing your risk of becoming stranded.  Proper care and maintenance will also decrease the number of batteries your vehicle will need over time.  And remember, batteries are full of toxic chemicals so handle with care.  Here are some helpful tips for extending your vehicle's battery life and for the proper disposal of dead batteries:

Park in a Garage if Possible
Winter's cold temperatures are deadly to your vehicle's battery.  A thoroughly insulated garage will keep your battery warm in the winter, thereby increasing it's life.

Keep Your Battery Clean
Remove the clamps and clean away grease, dirt and oxidation from the terminals. Your battery not only starts your vehicle, it is also recharged by your vehicle's alternator.  A filthy battery connection will weaken the charge and decrease battery life.

Recharge Your Battery with Solar
You can purchase an inexpensive solar charger for your vehicle's battery. The charger refills your battery's charge with solar energy while it sits in the sun. Combine this device with a charging monitor so you don't overcharge the battery.

Add Distilled Water
To extend the life of a conventional battery, add some distilled water to it when needed.

Secure Your Battery
If your battery is moving around in it's tray, it could tip over. A loose battery bashing against other parts of your engine or car chassis is bad and can loosen the delicate plates inside the battery.  Also, battery acid can spill out of the top and onto your engine causing damage to sensitive electronics. Keep the battery tray clean, make sure the battery is seated correctly and tighten down the bracket that holds the battery in place.

Have Your Battery Tested Regularly

Regularly test your battery.  This is particularly important to do after the vehicle has sat for a long time, before a long trip or after the battery has been recharged.  You don't want the battery to fail when you least expect it.  At Auto Haus, we have the equipment to properly check and diagnose your battery's condition and have included a coupon below for a FREE BATTERY INSPECTION.

Dispose of Dead Batteries Properly

Never dispose of dead batteries in your household trash container.  Batteries can be recycled.  Go to www.earth911.org and enter the information for the type of battery you want to dispose of and your location.  The site will give you a list of approved battery disposal locations in your area.