Q. I just got a new smartphone. How can I make sure the battery lasts a long time?

A. Many smartphones now have the ability to quick-charge, meaning they can recharge faster than other smartphones when they’re hooked up to a charger that provides more power. That can be convenient when you’re in a rush. (Check our rundow of the smartphones with the best battery life.)

"But, if possible, don’t always charge even a fast-charging phone at a fast rate," says Rich Fisco, Consumer Reports’ lead smartphone tester. "Ultrafast charging could cause undue battery stress, ultimately reducing the number of times the phone can be recharged," he warns. "If you’re charging overnight, use a slower charger, which you should be able to get from your phone’s manufacturer or any other seller it authorizes."

Fisco also advises never letting your battery run down to 0 percent. That can damage a battery’s cells and curtail its ability to hold a charge.

And never leave your phone in the car or on the beach on a very hot day. Temperatures higher than 95° F can cause permanent damage to the battery capacity.

For related information read our latest cell phone and services ratings and buying guide.

Send your questions to ConsumerReports.org/askourexperts.

Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the January 2017 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

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