How to Keep Your Leisure Battery Healthy in Summer.
Photo by lucas Favre on Unsplash
As the summer season heats up, there’s no better time to hit the road in your campervan, caravan, or motorhome. But before you set off on your next adventure, it’s important to make sure your leisure battery is in top condition. Proper maintenance not only keeps your trips stress-free but also helps extend the life of your battery—saving you money in the long run. Here’s how to keep your leisure battery healthy this summer.
Keep it Fully Charged
Heat can increase the rate at which batteries discharge. If you’re not using your vehicle every day, it’s essential to keep your leisure battery charged. Use a smart charger or solar panel to maintain a healthy charge level, especially during long periods of storage.
Avoid Deep Discharging
Leisure batteries don’t like to be completely drained. Try not to let the voltage drop below 12.0V. Regular deep discharges can shorten your battery’s lifespan significantly. Use a voltmeter or battery monitor to keep track of charge levels.
Check Your Connections
Loose or corroded terminals can lead to poor performance or even total failure. Make sure all connections are tight and clean. Apply a little petroleum jelly or battery terminal grease to protect against corrosion.
Keep it Cool
While summer heat is unavoidable, try to park your vehicle in shaded areas when possible. Excessive heat can cause the battery to deteriorate faster. Good ventilation around the battery also helps prevent overheating.
Top up if Needed
If you're using a traditional lead-acid battery (not sealed or AGM), check the electrolyte levels regularly and top up with distilled water if necessary. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when performing any maintenance.
Limit High-Powered Appliances
High-powered appliances like kettles and microwaves can drain your battery quickly. Consider using them sparingly or only when hooked up to mains power to avoid overloading your leisure battery.
Taking care of your leisure battery this summer ensures you can enjoy your getaways without unexpected power problems. Regular maintenance, careful usage, and a bit of planning go a long way toward keeping your battery reliable and long-lasting.
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