As you drive your plug-in vehicle through the streets, relishing its smooth operation and eco-conscious design on highways or urban areas, you become aware of a concerning issue: your battery isn't holding its charge as effectively as before. Ensuring your plug-in vehicle's battery functions at its best is essential to upholding its efficiency and lifespan. How can you do it? Continue reading!
Charging Practices for Battery Health
Keep your plug-in vehicle's battery charged between 20% and 80% whenever possible. Avoid fully depleting or overcharging the battery, as this can strain the cells and reduce their lifespan.
While fast charging may be convenient, frequent use can degrade the battery's health over time. Opt for slower, trickle charging methods to minimize stress on the battery cells whenever possible.
Driving Habits for Battery Longevity
Gentle driving habits can help preserve your plug-in vehicle's battery health. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, as rapid changes in speed can increase energy consumption and strain the battery.
When possible, plan your routes to minimize excessive stops and starts. Maintaining a consistent speed and avoiding heavy traffic can help optimize energy efficiency and reduce strain on the battery.
Temperature Management
Extreme heat or cold can impact battery
performance and longevity. To minimize exposure to temperature extremes, park your plug-in vehicle in a shaded or climate-controlled area whenever possible.
Utilize your vehicle's pre-conditioning feature to heat or cool the interior while the vehicle is still plugged in. This reduces the strain on the battery's cooling or heating systems and helps maintain optimal operating temperatures.
Regular Maintenance Checks
Periodically check your plug-in vehicle's battery health using diagnostic tools or apps provided by the manufacturer. This allows you to monitor any changes in battery capacity or performance and address issues promptly.
Ensure the battery terminals and connections are clean and free of corrosion. Dirty or corroded connections can impede electrical flow and affect battery performance.
You Might Also Ask:
What driving habits contribute to a healthier plug-in vehicle battery?
Gentle acceleration and braking, along with efficient route planning, help maintain battery health.
Why is temperature management crucial for plug-in vehicle batteries?
Extreme temperatures can negatively impact battery performance and longevity.
What
regular maintenance checks should I perform on my plug-in vehicle's battery?
Monitor battery health, keep connections clean, and check for corrosion regularly.
Is fast charging detrimental to plug-in vehicle battery health?
Frequent use of fast charging can degrade battery health over time due to increased stress on the cells.
For expert automotive maintenance and repairs, trust the
PRO-CAT Auto Care & Repair team - we are the local choice for car owners all across Toms River.