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There is nothing worse than being caught by surprise when your vehicle won’t start due to a dead battery. The lifespan of a car battery can last anywhere between 3-6 years; however many factors contribute to early failure, and it is important to stay on top of maintenance checks so that you know when it’s time to replace it. Without a functioning car battery, there is nothing to power all of the electrical components of your vehicle, rendering it useless. In fact, driving with a weak battery for too long can actually cause your starter or charging system to malfunction.
Fortunately, there are a few warning signs that indicate it may be time for a car battery replacement. At Fred’s Auto Repair, we are here to help with a wide range of auto services including car battery cleaning, testing and replacement. Continue reading to learn a few important indicators that signify that it’s time to have a car battery replacement.
How to Know If it is Time for a Car Battery Replacement
Various indicator lights come on when you start the car
A faulty car battery is not always easy to identify based on indicator lights alone. Due to other electrical malfunctions, you may notice your check engine light or your low coolant lights come on even when there are no problems with your engine or coolant levels. This could be a sign that your car battery is having problems, however it is best to have an overall auto maintenance check if multiple indicator lights appear when you start the car. Our experienced team at Fred’s Auto Repair will be able to assess your vehicle as a whole and identify where the problem is. If a malfunction indicator light is a result of your battery health, it may be time for a car battery replacement.
Your car battery is reaching its expiration date
Even if your car battery is in perfect condition for the duration of its use, all batteries die after a certain number of years. Many car owners however, do not know how to check the age of their car battery. On the cover of your battery case, you will find a combination of letters and numbers that indicate the month and year the battery was manufactured. The first letter corresponds to the month (i.e. A=January, B=February, etc.). The subsequent number corresponds to the year it was made (i.e. 2=2012, 3=2013, etc.). Once your car battery surpasses three years in age, you may want to have it inspected by a professional even if it does not appear to be damaged. At Fred’s Auto Repair, we use several techniques to protect your car battery from further damage. These services include cleaning all battery terminals and cable ends, applying a protective coating to prevent damage from moisture, and replacing damaged cable ends. The more often you have your car battery tested and maintained, the longer it will be able to power your vehicle. We recommend having your car battery inspected every time you take your vehicle in for an oil change.
There is a slow engine crank
When you start your vehicle, you can expect the engine to rev up immediately. If you notice a slow engine crank which sounds like the car is struggling to start, this could be the sign of a car battery or charging system malfunction. Once a car battery has been charged and drained many times over the years, the chemical reaction which takes place when you start your car may not occur as quickly. If this is the case, you may need to take your vehicle to a mechanic for a tune-up or replace your battery. Our ASE certified technicians at Fred’s Auto Repair will be able to test the output level of your car battery and let you know whether or not you need to recharge or replace.
Your car battery is low on fluid
If the fluid levels inside your car battery are too low, the lead plates will be exposed, which could cause damaging corrosion. When corrosion occurs, the electrolyte will shed and become out of balance, causing a reduced output of energy. A reduction of battery fluid is usually caused by overcharging, which leads to excess heat inside the battery. Eventually, if your battery is left with minimal fluid, you will need to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a car battery replacement. Fortunately, checking your fluid level is fairly simple. There should be a clear component of your battery case where you can see where the fluid level is. Additionally, older car batteries may have removable caps where you can open the battery and look inside. If the fluid drops below your lead plates, it is time to have it checked.
The battery case has expanded
A healthy car battery should never look like it is swelling and expanding in its case. If this happens, overcharging and overheating is once again, more than likely the culprit. This will drastically reduce your battery life and cause serious problems if it is left without replacement. Unfortunately, a swollen or bloated battery case cannot be reversed, which means you will need to have the battery replaced entirely to ensure your car battery does not fail and leave you stranded unexpectedly.
Fred’s Auto Repair is Here to Help
Is your vehicle showing any of the aforementioned signs that your car battery may be close to a serious malfunction? At Fred’s Auto Repair, our ASE certified technicians will perform a thorough inspection of your car battery, explain how much life it may have left, and make recommendations for repair or replacement based on the state of the battery.
Our team is dedicated to serving and educating our clients, so you know when it is time to have your vehicle taken in for maintenance or repairs. Contact us today at (914) 762-1131 to learn more about our highly-rated services, or book an appointment online!
