Jeep Battery Health: Signs of Wear and Tips for Longevity

The battery is the beating heart of your Jeep. It powers everything from the light in your map box to the engine’s ignition. If you’re a Jeep owner, you probably spend much of your time out in the wilds, exploring and adventuring. So if there’s one thing that needs to be in tip-top condition, it’s your battery.
At Jeep UAE, we don’t just buy and sell new and Pre-Owned Jeeps in the UAE. We want you to have a complete experience, and that includes a comprehensive package of aftersales care and maintenance. Our teams of qualified and certified technicians are always here to help you get the most out of your Jeep, including offering practical advice on how to look after your vehicle. Here are their top tips on keeping your battery working better for longer.

Signs of wear – what to look out for
Jeep batteries are tough, rugged, and long-lasting. But eventually, they will start to show signs of wear. The top indicators that your battery is starting to fail include:

• A clicking sound when you try to start the engine
• Dim headlights and spotlights
• Difficulty in starting the engine – it sounds as if the engine is struggling to turn over 
• The battery light on the dash comes on
• Corroded battery terminals
• Swelling of the main body of the battery
• An unpleasant 'rotten egg' odor

While difficulty starting or dim headlights may simply mean that the battery is flat, if you keep encountering the same issues every time you try to start the vehicle, it could mean that the battery is coming to the end of its life and will need to be replaced.

What can affect the lifespan of a car battery?
The lifespan of a car battery will depend on the type, but the average lifespan of a car battery is between three and five years. However, several factors can affect this, and there are ways to prolong the life of your battery and delay having to replace it.
One of the biggest things that can drain your battery is inactivity. The longer a vehicle is left unused, the more the various systems throughout the vehicle will inflict a ‘parasitic drain’ on the battery, leaving it lifeless when the time comes to turn the ignition key again. 
Environmental factors such as extreme cold or heat can also affect the lifespan of a battery, but in general, it’s the gradual degradation of the battery cells over time that ultimately leads to battery failure.

How can I prolong my battery’s lifespan?
The best way to keep your battery in good condition is to drive the vehicle regularly so that it has a chance to recharge (which shouldn’t be too hard for adventure-hungry Jeep owners). When the vehicle is not being used, starting it up and letting it run for a few minutes every couple of days will ensure that the battery doesn’t drain. 
If you notice any issues with your battery (especially dim lights or starting issues), you can book your Jeep for a ‘health check’ as part of our Smart Care Plan. For a monthly fee, you can sign up for a two-year plan that allows you to book in for a multi-point safety inspection and check package that includes ensuring your battery is in good condition. 
If you're planning a big desert adventure, it pays to have your Jeep professionally checked beforehand so you know a flat battery won't leave you stranded. 
Find out more by talking to one of our Jeep UAE Advisors today.