Like all portable electronics, a laptop depends on a battery. Over time, the battery will begin to deteriorate, and you may need to replace it if it fails. Computer repair specialists recommend taking these steps to prolong the life span of your laptop battery. 

How to Care for Laptop Batteries

1. Don’t Drain the Battery Life

You may think it’s not a big deal to let a laptop battery drop to 0% and die. However, doing this on a regular basis strains the battery and reduces its life span.

Laptop batteries are only designed to experience a particular number of charge cycles before they wear out and die. A cycle occurs when a battery drains from 100% to zero and then charges back to up 100%. Recharging the battery before it dies reduces the number of cycles used, extending its life span. Most Mac® laptops have 1,000 charge cycles.

2. Give It Breaks 

When possible, set aside a week where you only use your laptop when it’s connected to an outlet. Before you begin, turn the device off and remove the battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In most cases, you’ll just need to slide it out while pressing a button.

Make sure it’s at least half-charged when you remove it, as it will still lose power when not in use. According to computer repair experts, these week-long rests are a simple yet effective way to prolong your battery’s life span. 

3. Keep the Laptop Cool

When a battery becomes too hot, it creates more energy than it can use. This puts extra strain on the device, and it will wear down over time. Avoid taking your laptop outside on hot days or exposing it to direct sunlight.

Do not block the laptop’s vents. These are designed to keep the device cool. Placing the laptop on pillows, cushions, or directly on your lap impedes vent airflow. Instead, put it on a desk, lap desk, or another hard and stable surface. 

If you’re experiencing issues with your laptop battery, turn to the team at Experimax Gilbert. Located in Gilbert, AZ, this family-owned store specializes in computer repairs and upgrades. They also offer a variety of high-quality, pre-owned Apple® products so you can enjoy top-rated performance at a more affordable price. Learn more about their services online, and call (480) 534-7596 to schedule an appointment.