Tip 1: Do a monthly inspection of the battery terminals to make sure they are clean and corrosion free Extend the lifespan of a car battery of the first problems most people have with their car battery is the build-up of corrosion around the terminals.
Corrosion destroys the connection between the battery and the vehicle and many batteries are replaced due to too much corrosive build-up.

But oftentimes, this can be easily treated by simply pouring a small amount of Cola or a DIY anti-corrosion paste (one part water to three parts baking soda) over the corroded areas.

The acid in the Cola or the alkaline properties in the DIY anti-corrosion paste will eat the corrosion away.

After the corrosion is gone, use a clean damp rag or sponge to clean up the remaining residue and moisture.

Be sure to let it dry, then rub some petroleum jelly on the terminals to prevent future corrosion.

*note: see our safety tips at the end of this article before disconnecting/reconnecting your battery.

Tip 2: Do not operate any car accessories (radio, lights, or electronics) before turning on the car ignition and driving the car When the car is on, the car alternator generates electricity and charges the car battery after the battery has a voltage drop.

Leaving Car Lights On While Car is Off Drains The Car BatteryBut if the car is not on, and you are using the car’s electronics, you are just relying on the car battery to power those electronics.

This is detrimental to the car battery because car batteries are not meant for this type of use.

Instead, car batteries are meant to provide a sudden burst of power for ignition. They’re not made to provide prolonged power for electronics and other devices (that’s what a deep cycle lead-acid battery would be for).

Using your car battery as a battery that powers electronics, instead of a battery that just gives you a burst of power for ignition, will damage the battery and greatly shorten it’s lifespan if it’s repeatedly used in this fashion.

So avoid operating any car accessories or electronics while the car is off.

Tip 3: Make sure the car battery is secure and has good battery cables Prolong the life of the car battery has to be secured at all times. If a battery is jostling around it will be impaired and could short circuit.

This will ruin the battery – and even cause damage to your car while creating a safety risk.

The same could happen if you have bad battery cables (or they’re not connected properly). So check your cables and make sure they have a secure connection as well.

Tip 4: Insulate your car battery from extreme changes in temperature Protecting your car battery from large changes in temperature will help maximize the battery’s lifespan.

To do this you can use a car battery insulation kit.

Car Battery Insulation KitNewer model cars already have these kits installed typically. But if your car doesn’t have one, you can easily install one yourself.

Just make sure it fits your car’s battery compartment. Generally, the companies selling these battery insulation kits will have a form on their website where you can put in your car model and year, and it will tell you if your battery will fit their kit – like here (top of page).

These protective battery sleeves are usually made of plastic or an acid resistant, thermal resistant material.

These car battery insulation kits will insulate your battery and protect it while still allowing proper ventilation.

Tip 5: Fully charge your car battery at least once a week (use a car battery charger or interchange batteries if you have to) Your car battery drains even when the car is off.

This happens because the current is drawn from the battery by car accessories (radio, lights, etc.) or the car computers.

This is why people come home from long vacations and find their car battery dead.

But to prevent this, you can use either a car battery charger or a solar battery charger.

Car battery chargers (regular or solar) will maintain the optimum charge level of your car battery when the car is not in use.

They do this by providing enough power for the car accessories and car computer, so they don’t continuously draw current from the car battery when the car is off.

As you can imagine, these chargers are very useful …especially if you go on a trip or leave your car unused for a while.

They’re also useful if you go on a lot of short car trips (like to work and back each day) and never give your battery a chance to fully recharge. Repeatedly doing this will dramatically shorten your battery’s life – unless you use a car battery charger or interchange batteries, leaving one at home to fully charge.

The most important thing to remember with this tip is …make sure you fully charge your car battery at least once a week because it will greatly increase the life of your battery. Do this with a charger, interchanging batteries …or just going on a car ride long enough to recharge the battery.

Tip 6: Check your car battery’s water level Most car batteries indicate if there is a need for water.

So check the car battery water level indicator regularly and if the water is needed, refill the battery with distilled water (and that’s important, ONLY use distilled water to refill your car battery).

Tip 7: Do NOT overcharge your car battery Never overcharge your car battery. Lead-acid batteries release oxygen and hydrogen gases when they’re overcharged.

This causes two problems:

It can be explosive. It also breaks down the composition of the water in the battery – which shortens its lifespan. Tip 8: Check your car’s alternator If the car battery is not charging – check the car’s alternator you’re doing everything we’ve recommended in this article but your car batteries are still dying early, you’ll want to check your car’s alternator (or get a mechanic to check it).

Working from your ute in Australia can provide the perfect combination of convenience and flexibility. But to make things more comfortable, it pays to have a sound storage system in place. Here are four options for getting organised and making the most of your ute setup.
1. Cargo Slides

Any business that requires regularly accessing equipment in the back of a ute should consider investing in cargo sliders. These smooth-moving units provide maximum access to the ute’s cargo area and can be fitted with a range of drawers, shelves and other storage options, making locating and moving items easier.

Cargo slide trays also reduce the rate of workplace accidents, as it eliminates the need to crouch or climb into the ute bed. They are also designed to be durable enough to last for years, making them a cost-effective and practical solution for Australian mobile business owners.

2. Sliding Drawers

Sliding drawers are a great way to add extra storage space in any mobile business, be it a ute, van, or trailer. They are designed to be durable and reliable and provide easy access to all items stored in the drawer unit. A built-in lock system ensures that everything stays secure when you’re away from your vehicle, while adjustable shelves make it easy to organise your gear and keep things tidy.

Like cargo sliders, these drawers come in several configurations and weight capacities, so you can customise them to fit your storage needs. Plus, they are easy to install and require minimal maintenance over the years.

3. Fridge Units

You’d think it wouldn’t be possible to fit everything needed for your business to run, plus a fridge, into your ute. Well, think again! Opting for a dedicated fridge-in-drawer unit allows you to add refrigerated storage to your mobile workplace without taking up valuable cargo space.

As a bonus, many of these options have a sliding work table over the fridge when not in use, the perfect area for sorting paperwork or having a quick snack. Additionally, these units can fit an esky instead of a fridge, reducing the need for powered refrigeration systems.

4. Custom System

While not a one-size-fits-all solution, customising your ute’s storage system allows you to create a unique solution specific to your business needs.

Like premade systems, customised systems come with the same benefits of convenience, organisation and safety. So whether it’s a full-kitchen fit-out for catering businesses or a custom configuration of drawers and cargo slide trays, it’s easy to tailor a storage system to suit your specific needs.

Enhance Your Mobile Business With The Right Storage Systems

Whether it’s slides to reduce injury risk, drawers to secure items and maximise storage space, fridges for easy access to snacks, or customised solutions specific to your business, enhancing your ute’s storage system with the right options can make all the difference.

Always remember that only a qualified store solutions manufacturer can ensure your ute storage system is safe and compliant with Australian regulations, so find a skilled specialist who can help you choose the best solutions for your mobile business.

The meeting of land, sea and sky: there’s a reason why bridges have captivated the minds of humans since the beginning of time. No matter what country you’re from or where decide to travel to, there are guaranteed to be many awe-inspiring overpasses for you to drive across during your visit.
Here are our favourite bridges from around the world to cross in your rental car on your next getaway.

Brooklyn Bridge, USA

Film fanatics should not miss this spectacular structure, recognisable from blockbuster hits like I Am Legend, The Avengers and Godzilla. As the first site in the world to use steel-wire suspension technology and one of the oldest overpasses in the US, the Brooklyn Bridge has linked New York’s Manhattan and Brooklyn neighbourhoods since its opening in 1883. Visitors can drive, cycle or walk across this modern marvel.

Stari Most, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Diving fans may recognise this iconic overpass as a tour stop on Red Bull’s Diving World Series. In fact, this bridge has a reputation for diving, with an annual competition each summer and a local tradition that involves young men jumping from the structure into the frigid waters beneath (something only experienced divers should attempt). This icon was reopened in 2004 after being destroyed in the area’s war in 1993, but the original foundation dates back to 1566.

Millau Viaduct, France

Standing at an impressive 343-meters high, this bridge is the tallest in the world (and spanning a length of one-and-a-half miles, this is no short car ride across either!). Here, you can park your rental to check out the viewing area or even dine at the Michelin-star restaurant in the visitor centre.

Charles Bridge, Czech Republic

You’ll have to park your vehicle and walk this pedestrian-only beauty, but it’s worth it. Built over the Vltava River and constructed between 1357 and sometime at the start of the fifteenth century, this Gothic masterpiece is one of Prague’s top tourist attractions. The walkway is decorated with 30 different statues in the baroque style, and connects the iconic Prague Castle to the Old Town.

Before You Go

Before you are ready to drive off to see some bridges, make sure you are ready with your rental in terms of insurance. Car rental excess insurance is an extra feature that can be purchased to protect you in case anything happens to your vehicle while you are out on the road.

If your hired vehicle should be stolen, damaged or written up, you will likely be held responsible by the rental company for these costs – unless you purchased car hire excess insurance ahead of time. With this coverage, the insurance company will reimburse you for any excess damage fees charged by the rental company. Car hire excess insurance should always be purchased when renting a car to protect yourself against sneaky excess fees.

No matter where your travels take you, there is sure to be some magnificent bridges for you to visit during your next getaway. Don’t forget your camera to snap some photos of the iconic monuments as you drive across!

Author Plate

Sam Walker is a specialist insurance expert at LowerHire, a company that offers low-cost single trip and annual multi-trip car rental excess insurance policies. Travellers can rest easy knowing they will be fully protected against any hidden hire car costs and look forward to a stress-free rental experience.