Batteries have an average life of 3 to 5 years. Simple care and maintenance can keep your battery performing reliably throughout its life.

1. Keep your battery case and brackets free of corrosion. If you see cracks or oozing at the top of your battery case, replace the battery.

2. Corrosion and deposits interfere with the flow of electric current. Have your battery terminals and posts cleaned regularly by a trained technician.

3. Inspect brackets. If they are heavily corroded, replace them or have them replaced. Also make sure they secure the battery firmly. Loose brackets will allow the battery to vibrate, shortening its life and possibly damaging other components.

4. Tighten any loose cables..

5. Check the tension and condition of your fan belt. A loose fan belt can affect the battery’s ability to recharge. If a fan belt is frayed or cracked, replace it or have a professional do so.

6. Get in the habit of turning off accessories before turning off your vehicle. Leaving your radio, car alarm, wipers, headlights, navigation device, electronic media players and inside lights on can drain your battery.

7. Keep our battery fully charged when your car is not in use, especially if you will not be using your vehicle for two weeks or more. Invest in a battery tender to keep your battery charged.

8. If you live in a climate with frequent freezes, invest in an engine heater to reduce the power the battery requires to start the vehicle. Park the vehicle indoors, if at all possible. A cold car reduces the battery power considerably.

9. Watch and listen for warning signs. If your headlights dim when you are idling but brighten when you rev the engine it could signal an electrical system problem. If you hear a grinding or clicking when you turn the ignition to the crank position, your battery may be weak.

10. Even with the best care and maintenance, batteries do fail – and that would be the perfect time to call AAA Mobile Battery Replacement Service at 800-AAA-HELP. A Battery Service technician will perform an expert test, and if a replacement battery is indicated and you would like to be back on the go as soon as possible, the technician can install a new, top-quality AAA battery right on the spot.