People often don’t think about battery maintenance, but it’s vital that you keep your battery in good condition. If your battery isn’t storing enough energy, it can’t provide the spark your motor needs to turn over when you turn your key in the ignition. To keep your battery functioning for as long as possible, practice the following maintenance tips and visit your local GMC dealer if you notice signs of battery failure.

Battery Maintenance Tips for Your GMC
Numerous factors affect the longevity of your car battery, including your driving habits and whether regular preventative maintenance is performed. To extend the lifespan of your battery, you should keep your battery terminals and cables free from corrosion. Check your battery monthly and schedule an appointment if you see a buildup of flaky white or greenish material.
Corrosion should not be ignored because it reduces your battery’s efficiency. The harder your battery has to work, the sooner you’ll need to replace it. You should also plan your trips carefully if you want to extend your battery’s useful life. A lot of energy is drained from your battery when you start your car, and it takes time for your alternator to recharge your battery. Limit short trips to help keep your battery from discharging completely.
What Else You Can Do for Your Battery
Another way you can protect your battery is by unplugging accessories when you park your car. You should also check to ensure all your lights are off when you leave your vehicle.
Signs You Need to Visit Your Local GMC Dealer for a New Battery
Regardless of how well you take care of your battery, the need for a new battery is inevitable. The average car battery lasts around three to five years, so don’t be alarmed if you start seeing signs of a dying battery if it hasn’t been replaced in a few years. Sometimes, your car will warn you that a new battery is necessary with the illumination of the battery light on your dashboard.
However, there are other signs you should keep your eyes peeled for. Dim lights are another common indicator that your battery isn’t functioning as well as it did in the past. The most important role your battery plays is starting your engine, but it’s also crucial for powering every other electrical component in your vehicle, including your lights.
Car batteries usually last for a few years, but you may be able to go five years without replacing yours if you take good care of it. To confirm your battery is still in good shape, schedule an inspection at Ed Martin Buick GMC in Carmel, IN today.


