HOW TO KNOW WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR CAR BATTERY

The ideal time to replace your battery is before you’re required to. How do you tell that it’s time to replace your battery if it’s still not dead? There’s no universal answer to how long a car’s battery can last, but signs indicate that it’s time to get replacing it. Please find out the indicators of a dying battery, how climate conditions can impact your battery, and when it’s time to replace it with this article.

SIGNS YOUR CAR BATTERY IS DYING OR DEAD

Autos are great at alerting you that there’s something not right. From dashboard lights that are illuminated to unusual smells and sounds, something that isn’t normal indicates that your car needs help. Here are some common warning symptoms of a failing battery to look for:

Slow Engine Crank An automobile engine that isn’t running as fast or needs multiple tries to start is a distinct signal that your battery may be on its final step.
Illuminated Battery Light If this light is illuminated and you don’t want to ignore it, there is a reason for it. There are many possible reasons why your battery light could be on; however, most of them are due to an issue with your charging system.
A bloated and Misshapen battery case typically happens when the battery is charged too high or has been exposed to high temperatures. A strangely-shaped or swollen battery indicates you’ll need to replace it.
Leaks in Battery Fluid Leak Car batteries can leak when they’re too charged or damaged, indicating that it’s time to buy an upgrade.

If you notice signs of a failing battery in your car warrants a visit to an auto mechanic. But if you have yet to see any of these warning signs, it doesn’t mean you’re in good shape. Various factors can deplete your battery, and their effects may not be apparent when it’s too late. Regularly testing your battery can ensure you don’t get stuck or on in the middle of the highway.

HOW OFTEN DO CAR BATTERIES NEED TO BE REPLACED?

A battery isn’t guaranteed to last forever. It is generally accepted that replace your vehicle’s battery every three years. However, you may need an upgrade sooner. The weather and driving habits could impact the life of your battery and make you require replacement before the three-year mark. You should consult the manufacturer’s suggested service intervals to ensure that you replace your battery on time.

HOW OFTEN TO REPLACE A CAR BATTERY: CONSIDER YOUR CLIMATE

Wherever you are, whether it is humid and hot or dry and cold, climate can negatively impact the battery. Extreme temperatures in any direction can affect your battery differently; however, the result is the same: a decrease in battery life.

HOT WEATHER AND BATTERIES

If you venture out during a hot day, you risk getting dehydrated. Similar is the case for the battery of your car. Like our bodies, car batteries depend on liquids for their ability to move. Summer’s scorching heat can cause water loss from your car’s battery acid, resulting in reduced performance, lower performance, and a shorter life span.

Additionally, the scorching heat can hurt the inside that makes up your battery. If the temperature rises and the water inside your battery dries, the chances and the speed of corrosion rise, and corrosion are among the major causes of the battery’s drain and failures.

COLD WEATHER AND BATTERIES

But wait! There’s more! As hot weather can trigger battery problems, colder weather can also cause battery problems. If the heat index shifts into wind chills, the battery will need more effort to create sufficient energy to maintain the car running at high speed. The cold weather may also cause engine oil to become thicker, which puts an additional burden on your battery.

DON’T LET CLIMATE RUIN YOUR BATTERY

If you reside in a hot climate (we’re in the process of naming Phoenix, Phoenix) or experience a freezing winter (hello, Minneapolis), consider replacing your battery more frequently than suggested. A free battery inspection by Firestone Complete Auto Care will allow you to determine if your battery is getting worn down. There are better locations than the wilderness for an unsound battery!

You can minimize the negative impacts of the conditions on your battery, ensuring you’re using the correct battery. If it’s time to buy an upgrade, look for one specifically made to work with your specific climate. How can you get your battery replaced? Firestone Complete Auto Care offers battery repair and installation services and stocks typical climate-specific batteries.

DRIVING HABITS INFLUENCE WHEN TO REPLACE A CAR BATTERY

How you drive your car for a long time will affect the frequency you’ll have to replace your battery. If you frequently make shorter trips like the daily drive to work and the supermarket, for instance, your battery needs more time to be fully charged between journeys. This could result in a decrease in performance.

Additionally, if your vehicle is parked in the garage or on the driveway for prolonged durations, the battery is still draining while the motor isn’t running. The good thing is that these battery-draining practices can be great excuses to go for a good old-fashioned road journey.

CAR BATTERY REPLACEMENT SERVICE NEAR ME

Every mile you drive with an old battery brings you one step closer to being stuck. If you’re considering buying a replacement battery, get it replaced before you’re on your road. Make an appointment at your neighborhood Firestone Complete Auto Care for a no-cost battery test.