Many car owners neglect their auto battery until it fails completely.
If you haven’t thought about or inspected your battery in years, then it’s time to learn the signs of an old battery.
Usethese signs to determine the best time to swap out this essential auto part and find out where to go to safe, affordable replacement services.
Keepyour car moving forward with a reliable electrical system and safe battery replacement services by a trusted technician.
How Do You Know When Its Time For A New Battery?
Modern car batteries don’t always die slowly. There are some warning signs to watch for, but in general you should physically inspect your battery and keep track of its age to know when it’s time for a replacement.
Hereare some signs to watch out for as you inspect your car battery:
• Hard engine cranking
• Faded or erratic electrical system performance
• Failure to start
• Corrosion around terminals
• Cracked battery
• Old battery
A difficult start can be a sign of a number of maintenance issues, but one possibility is your battery. Your starter and other electrical devices are powered by the battery until your engine is running.
Thealternator then takes over to recharge the power and provide power to all your essential electrical devices. A hard start could be caused by a starter issue, so be sure to have your starter inspected if a new battery doesn’t solve this problem.
Reduced electrical system performance is typically caused by either a failing battery or an ineffective alternator. Look for other, clearer signs of a damaged battery or inspect your alternator for signs of damage.
For a clearer sign that it’s time to replace your battery, inspect the component itself.
Usecare when handling it, as a damaged battery may have an acid leak. Consider wearing gloves and protective eyewear to check your battery for signs of leaks, corrosion or other issues.
You may have simply left your lights on and ran your battery out of power.
Pickup a tester or battery charger for car to see if this component can hold a charge. Boost your battery and see if it powers your starter or needs to be replaced. If charging your battery doesn’t allow you to start your vehicle, it’s time to replace it or look at your starter.
How Long Should My New Battery Last?
Automotive lead-acid batteries typically last between three and five years.
After this time, you’ll likely need a new battery. Stop by a reliable auto parts store or test your battery yourself to see if it can still hold a charge. A tester shows you the current charge of your battery and whether it’s still capable of holding a charge.
When it’s time for a new battery, shop at a local auto parts store for convenient replacement. Lead-acid batteries need to be disposed of properly, so recycle your outdated component and receive free installation at a trusted auto parts store in your area. Ask about a VIN decoder and other tools to ensure you receive the correct replacement parts.
