Even if you’re driving a petrol guzzling SUV, electricity remains crucial to driving a car. These days it all happens with the turn of a key or a press of a button. But beyond that initial ignition, the battery continues playing a vital role in all of your vehicle’s electric systems, but some myths have circulated so here are some myths and facts to replace them.

Battery life
A car battery should last about six years, but like most car parts, that all depends on how you treat it. Multiple discharge/recharge cycles shorten any battery’s life and using electronics in the car with the engine is the quickest route to a dead battery. Of course, a battery can maintain a charge while the engine is on, but once it’s off electronics draw directly from the battery.
To avoid this recurring nightmare, always turn the headlights and interior lights off when you’re done driving. Remember that leaving electronics like GPS or cell phones plugged into a car charger can also drain the battery.
No matter how well you take care of it, eventually your battery will die and you’ll need a replacement. Failing batteries usually display obvious symptoms that let you know it’s on its way out. Slow cranking on startup indicates that the battery may not be able to provide enough power to fire up the engine, and an illuminated battery warning light on the dashboard is clear indicator it needs attention. If vehicle electronics like remote locks or interior lights randomly stop working a dying or dead battery could be why.

Weather
Ambient temperature has an impact on battery life and performance. Most car batteries use a liquid electrolyte solution to hold a charge, which is affected by hot or cold weather. While it takes extremely low temperatures to freeze a battery, cold reduces the solution’s ability to transfer full power (which is why it could be hard to start a car in winter).
Hot weather could cause the battery solution to evaporate, limiting its ability to hold a charge. A common myth is that you can refill it with tap water to make up for evaporation, but tap water contains minerals and impurities that can damage battery cells. Use deionized or demineralized water instead, but if you have to do this it’s probably a sign that you need a replacement soon. Keeping your car in a garage helps the battery cope with temperature extremes so it lasts longer and works more reliably.

It’s not always the battery
If your car won’t start, a dead battery is the likely culprit. However, there are numerous components that can cause similar symptoms. A faulty starter motor will make a click when you turn the key that sounds similar to a dead battery. If the alternator fails, the battery won’t recharge when the engine is on, leading to a no-start condition. Clogged fuel injectors or worn-out spark plugs can be a problem, and corrosion on the battery terminals, which prevents the flow of electricity, is common too. Fortunately, it’s easy to clean with a wire brush or steel wool.