Pickup Truck Battery Health: Signs of Wear and Tips for Longevity

The beating heart of every vehicle isn’t the engine, it’s the battery. Without a battery, nearly all of the other systems on a car from the ignition to the indicators and the starter to the AC, won’t work. Your car battery does a lot of work and eventually will start to degrade. You’ll notice little problems starting to creep into your driving experience, but the good news is that they can be easily fixed by simply replacing the battery. 
At RAM UAE, we know just how much rugged use our customers subject their vehicles to, both on and off-road, and how much wear and tear their batteries suffer. So here are our top tips on how to spot if your battery is starting to suffer and how to prolong its lifespan.

How long does a battery last?
On average, a battery lasts between three to five years. However, this can be affected by influences such as temperature, how often the vehicle is used, and how well the battery is maintained.

Signs your battery may be failing
Several indicators warn you that your battery may be starting to fail:

• Difficulty starting, especially from cold – if the engine sounds like it’s laboring as it tries to start, that could be a sign that there really isn’t enough voltage in the battery to activate the starter motor. 
• A clicking sound and no ignition – this is usually a sign that the battery is completely dead and won’t start the vehicle without going through a charging cycle. If this keeps happening, the battery will definitely need to be replaced. If it’s a one-off then you may simply have left the lights on!
• Dim or flickering headlights – if your headlights, spotlights and fog lights seem a little dimmer or tend to flicker, it could be a sign that your battery simply doesn’t have enough voltage to run them alongside all of the other vehicle systems. 

How to prolong the life of your pickup truck battery

• Check your voltage – a pickup truck battery should register at least 12.6 volts or higher. A simple voltmeter connected to the terminals will tell you instantly if your battery is producing enough voltage. If it’s below 12.6 volts, even by a little bit, it may be time to replace the battery.
• Clean the terminals regularly – the positive and negative battery terminals can suffer from corrosion, which will result in a poor electrical connection and shorten the battery’s lifespan. Ensure that the vehicle is turned off completely and use a wire brush to remove any dirt or corrosion from the terminals.
• Use the vehicle regularly – using your vehicle every day will ensure that the battery stays fully charged. If you are not going to use the vehicle for a while, a regular start-up and running the truck for a few minutes every couple of days will help prevent 'vampire systems' within the car from leaching away the battery's voltage.
• Consider environmental conditions – extreme temperatures can have an adverse effect on batteries. If you are not using the vehicle for a longer period, disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. 

Get your battery checked

A simple way to ensure your battery is performing properly is to book a MOPAR® Express Lane Service at RAM UAE. In just 59 minutes, a fully qualified technician will carry out a ‘mini service’ on your vehicle, including a thorough battery check. If you want to make sure your vehicle is safe, dependable, and efficient, and you're not quite due for that interim or major service yet, book a MOPAR® Express Lane Service online today.