How Often Should You Replace Your Car Battery?
The cold days of winter are just around the corner so now is a good time to take an inventory of your vehicle and any issues that you may be noticing. Make sure your car is prepared to survive winter’s cold temperatures! If you have kept up with routine vehicle maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations during the summer months, all you may need as you head into winter is a car battery replacement.
Unfortunately, because the car battery is hidden underneath the hood, it easy to overlook. You may be wondering just how often should you replace your car battery? Hopefully, you’ve kept a record of when you purchased the battery in your car. If it is getting close to the four-year-old mark, it can become unreliable.
There are three obvious signs that will warn you when it’s time for a car battery replacement:
- The pace of the engine crank. If the power produced by the battery is too weak to start the engine, it will “crank” slower than usual, or not at all.
- The power supply to electrical components. Lights are dimmer and electrical accessories work slower than usual.
- Swollen battery case. This can be caused by a failing alternator (possibly the voltage regulator) overcharging the battery, building up hydrogen gas faster than the battery can use it up and overheating the battery.
There are several things that you can do to help extend the life of your car battery:
- Keep the battery warm and dry. Dirt and dampness will damage the battery case.
- Start up your vehicle regularly. If you don’t drive very often, starting your vehicle occasionally will help maintain the charge in your battery.
- Keep it clean. Clean the grease, dirt and oxidation away from the battery connections and tray.
- Add a little water. You may need to add a little water occasionally to extend the life of your car battery. Use distilled water if possible.
- Fasten it down. If the battery is not fastened securely to the tray, it will vibrate excessively and can cause damage.
- Avoid jump-starting. Jump-starting a dead battery in today’s vehicles is tricky as it can cause damage the electronics. Call for assistance.
Have concerns about how often should you replace your car battery? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil’s Service for more information about a needed car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and surrounding area.
The cold days of winter are just around the corner so now is a good time to take an inventory of your vehicle and any issues that you may be noticing. Make sure your car is prepared to survive winter’s cold temperatures! If you have kept up with routine vehicle maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations during the summer months, all you may need as you head into winter is a car battery replacement.
Unfortunately, because the car battery is hidden underneath the hood, it easy to overlook. You may be wondering just how often should you replace your car battery? Hopefully, you’ve kept a record of when you purchased the battery in your car. If it is getting close to the four-year-old mark, it can become unreliable.
There are three obvious signs that will warn you when it’s time for a car battery replacement:
- The pace of the engine crank. If the power produced by the battery is too weak to start the engine, it will “crank” slower than usual, or not at all.
- The power supply to electrical components. Lights are dimmer and electrical accessories work slower than usual.
- Swollen battery case. This can be caused by a failing alternator (possibly the voltage regulator) overcharging the battery, building up hydrogen gas faster than the battery can use it up and overheating the battery.
There are several things that you can do to help extend the life of your car battery:
- Keep the battery warm and dry. Dirt and dampness will damage the battery case.
- Start up your vehicle regularly. If you don’t drive very often, starting your vehicle occasionally will help maintain the charge in your battery.
- Keep it clean. Clean the grease, dirt and oxidation away from the battery connections and tray.
- Add a little water. You may need to add a little water occasionally to extend the life of your car battery. Use distilled water if possible.
- Fasten it down. If the battery is not fastened securely to the tray, it will vibrate excessively and can cause damage.
- Avoid jump-starting. Jump-starting a dead battery in today’s vehicles is tricky as it can cause damage the electronics. Call for assistance.
Have concerns about how often should you replace your car battery? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil’s Service for more information about a needed car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and surrounding area.
