Car batteries provide power to everything in your vehicle. That’s why it’s imperative that they are up to par every time you hop in your car for a drive. After all, nobody wants to be stuck on the side of the road because of a bad battery. But knowing when a battery is not working well can be tricky, so let’s look at some of the ways you can do just that.
Lead-acid batteries are most commonly found in today’s cars. These are made of six cells with lead-oxide plates filled with an electrolyte. Over time, a failing battery will lose its capacity, which means that it can hold less charge than when you first bought it new. When that happens, you’ll more than likely notice that when you start your car, the engine turns over slower than before. Interior light flickering is also a sign that your car is due for a new battery.
While most batteries are maintenance-free, it’s always a good idea to make sure your battery terminals don’t have any corrosion at the terminals. Servicing battery terminals is an easy fix.
Another indicator that you’re battery isn’t working properly is the red battery warning light on your car’s dash. This means that there’s a problem with your car’s charging system. Your battery might still be working just fine, but your charging system will definitely need to be tested.
The average car battery lasts from five to seven years. If you’re driving every day, then batteries can last even longer. On the other hand, if a vehicle is parked for long periods without starting, the battery will need to be replaced sooner. Batteries last longer when they are kept fully charged, however overcharging can also damage it.
If you’re just not sure if you need a new car battery, bring it in to our dealership and one of our highly-trained service technicians will test it for you.
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