When to Replace Your Car’s Battery | Fred’s Auto

When to Replace Your Car’s Battery

When it comes to replacing your vehicle’s battery, things can get a little tricky unless you’re a professional mechanic. This is because a failing battery isn’t always easily noticed, unless you know the signs, of course. Here, Fred’s Auto Repair has collected some important information about batteries and how to determine when it’s time to invest in car battery service!

The Life of a Car Battery Varies Based on 3 Key Factors

You might not be aware, but the lifespan of your car battery will be based upon three factors, which are:

• Time: Just like most things in life, car batteries age and over time become less effective. Even under the most ideal conditions, an aging car battery might not have enough juice to turn your engine over. Additionally, the way you use your vehicle can also be a contributing factor to your battery’s lifespan. For example, cars frequently driven on shorter trips may not have the full time they need to recharge.

• Heat: The chemical reaction in a battery that gets your car moving is caused by heat, so this plays a major role in its performance. Of course, the more heat there is, the more quickly your battery will degrade, which means if you live in a hotter climate the battery will need to be replaced more frequently. A good rule of thumb is replacing your battery every five years or so for those in colder locales, and every three years for people living in hotter areas.

• Vibration: The last factor that plays a role in your battery’s lifespan will be the vibration it experiences from the road while your car is in motion. This is because, over time, vibration will slowly break down your battery’s components and loosen them. It’s important your battery is properly mounted and that all components that hold it down are frequently tightened.

Other Battery Maintenance Considerations

In addition to the things mentioned above, there are some other considerations when it comes to battery maintenance. Over or undercharging your battery will also have a negative effect on it. This is especially true if your battery dies but is brought back to life at some point; this can drastically affect its performance and lifespan.

Warning Signs Your Battery is Becoming Weak

Without a thorough inspection, there’s no way to determine the health of your battery with 100% accuracy. There are warning signs your battery is weakening – one of the leading signs being when your engine takes a long time to start. Additionally, your battery warning light illuminating is a clear indication there’s a problem. On older vehicles, dim lights while the car is idling is also another potential sign that you need car battery service.

Battery Selection Tips

If it’s time for a new car battery, you can ensure that you invest in one that’s long-lasting and gives your car the power it needs by keeping in mind a few things, such as:

• Battery Type: Choosing the right battery type for your vehicle is essential. These days, most vehicles use traditional lead-acid batteries but there are also more advanced designs (AGM) that are used in newer vehicles. AGM batteries boast better spill resistance and are created to handle repeated charging and discharging; this is often for vehicles that have engine systems designed to limit stopping and starting to improve fuel efficiency.

• Group Number: Car batteries conform to various group numbers that define not only their physical size but also their hold-down components and the location of their terminals. You’ll need to select the battery size that conforms to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications for your vehicle. Some European or Asian batteries have different standards, so be sure to consider this as well.

• Cold Cranking Amps Rating: This is a rating based upon how much power a battery can provide when cranked at zero degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to never install a battery on your vehicle that has a lower CCA or Ah rating than your vehicle manufacturer recommends.

Contact us for car battery service and more!

If you’re in need of car battery service or any type of other auto services, schedule your visit with Fred’s Auto Repair online today or call (914) 762-1131. We have convenient locations in Briarcliff Manor and Shrub Oak. We also specialize in oil changes, tire rotation, body work, and more, so contact us now!