When do I need to replace my car battery?
The car battery is literally the heart of your vehicle, without which it will not perform a range of tasks, from starting the in-car computers to powering the engine. Doing all the heavy lifting, your car batteries can drain at the most inconvenient times. Like any other parts of your vehicle needing repair and replacements, an old battery does not last forever and demands possible care to ensure convenience.
While there isn't
a right time to replace old batteries, the "best" time is before it's
dead. But how do you know before it's too late? Sure, there are warning signs
that tell you the condition of your vehicle components.
Warning
signs
If you don't
want to end up stranded along the roadside in search of a jumper cable service near me to jump-start your vehicle, here are a few warning signs to
never ignore.
·
Motor
cranks the engine slowly
·
The
battery warning light is illuminated
·
The
battery case is bloated or misshaped
·
Battery
fluid level is low
·
Incandescent
headlights are dim
·
Excessive
rust is piled up on the battery
·
Bad
odor
Expected
car battery lifespan
Batteries
lose the ability and capacity to hold a charge or recharge over time. Depending
on various factors such as time, environment, vibrations, or weather, a battery
lasts several years on average. As little as 3 years when driven in extreme
weather, excessive humidity, or poor road conditions, your car battery can also
live up to 7 years if taken good care.
Factors
that affect your battery lifespan
If you want
to predict your car battery lifespan, take a look at your everyday driving conditions
and habits. A vehicle lasts longer when driven daily for more than 20 minutes,
enough to charge the battery fully. In contrast, if your car is parked for more
extended periods, the batteries are liable to drain and die sooner than
expected. Similarly, if you often find yourself driving through extreme weather
conditions, the scorching heat or freezing winds can make your batteries less
efficient.
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