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How do I keep my car battery from dying?

How do you keep a car battery from dying when not in use? It's a hassle to ask people to jump my car.

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Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Car batteries will sometimes die, even with proper maintenance. But these battery-saving habits will help improve their health and increase their lifespan:
  • Park in the shade
  • Take the long way home
  • Clean your battery
  • Stop using gadgets
  • Get a charger
Park in the shade: Heat will drain a car battery, so keeping your car cool will help save you from
jumping your car
all the time. Park your car in the shade or in a cooler spot when you can.
Take the long way home: Longer trips will give your alternator more time to recharge your battery, whereas shorter trips with a lot of starts and stops can drain your battery life.
Clean your battery: Wiping grime off your battery will help to keep it cooler. It’s easy to do and will result in longer battery life.
Stop using gadgets: Certain things will drain your battery more than others. Plugging in phones, computers, DVD players, and other devices will cause your battery to drain faster.
Get a charger: If you tend to park for long periods of time, you might consider getting a car battery charger to recharge your battery or jump your own car if it’s dead.
If you’re worried about your car breaking down, consider getting roadside assistance. ​
Jerry
offers industry-leading roadside assistance, including benefits like towing, lockout service, and a mechanics hotline for $6.99 a month.”
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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