Everything You Need to Know About Car Batteries & When to Replace One

Everything You Need to Know About Car Batteries & When to Replace One

At Fred’s Auto Repair, we want to make sure your vehicle is always running at its best. Your car’s battery is an integral part of its performance and can be the difference between getting from point A to B or waiting for a tow truck. That’s why we’ve created this guide to highlight what a battery does, and some signs that you might need car battery replacement.

So read our tips, and always be sure to reach out to our automotive team if you ever have any doubts or questions about your car’s battery (or anything else).

• How a Car Battery Works

When you turn on your car, your battery provides the energy needed to turn on your starter and get your engine going. That’s why if you have a faulty battery, your car will not start. So, while a car battery may not seem as complicated or necessary as an engine, it is an essential part of starting your vehicle.

• What Is the Lifespan of a Car Battery?

While a lot of factors affect how long a car battery lasts, normally it should last anywhere from three or five years. Some of the factors that can shorten a battery’s life are extreme temperatures (hot and cold) as well as humidity levels.

Also, always try to start your car, even if you’re not using it regularly, as a battery can die if it is not able to recharge regularly.

How to Know If You Need a New Car Battery

At Fred’s Auto Repair, we test your battery at every oil change service. We wanted to try to help and highlight some ways you can tell if your car battery needs a change. Here are some other ways to know…

• Engine Struggles When Starting

As with all components, as time goes by, your battery becomes worn and less efficient. A slow or sluggish start when cranking your engine might mean your battery is on its last leg. Having to attempt to start your vehicle multiple times before it gets going is another sign of a compromised battery. 

• Dim Car Lights

Since your battery provides all the electrical juice to your vehicle, if you see your lights are not as strong as normal, or if you are having problems with your car’s electronics, this is often caused by a battery that is struggling to hold its charge.

Remember, the more things you plug into your car, cell phone, GPS units, etc., the more power it is taking away from your battery (and it can die quicker).

• Check Engine Light

While a check engine light can encompass a huge variety of issues, one thing that it can mean is a problem with your battery. Always contact a mechanic if your check engine light comes on and bring your car to our Fred’s Auto team to see if you need a car battery replacement.

• A Strange Odor

When a battery is damaged and leaks, it can often emit a foul odor that is akin to rotten eggs. While you always need to consult a professional, you can pop your trunk and look to see if there are any leaks coming from your battery.

• Old Connectors

If you look at the metal areas of your battery, and you see calcification or a white substance, that indicates corrosion on your terminals. The terminals are where your metal connectors (positive and negative) connect at the top of the battery. Issues with corrosion can mean struggles with starting your car and voltage issues due to the compromised connectors.

• Damaged Battery

Extreme weather can not only affect the lifespan of a car battery (as we mentioned earlier), but it can also cause a battery case to crack and expand. You should carefully look at the exterior of your battery in your engine to see if there are any cracks.

• It’s Old

If it’s been more than five years since you have replaced your battery, it is highly likely that you need to book a car battery replacement. To avoid any potential issues, or getting stuck with a dead battery, it’s recommended to get your battery tested annually once it hits the three-year mark.

Car Battery Replacement & More Automotive Services

All our Fred’s Auto Repair mechanics are ASE Certified; meaning we can provide you with the utmost quality and knowledgeable solutions and services. And with over 100 years of combined service, we have the experience to match.

To learn more about our car battery replacement services, please contact our team today and book your appointment now!