Car batteries are frequently taken for granted until they fail. However, a dead battery can be inconvenient at best and may leave you stranded somewhere at worst. That is why it is critical to understand when to replace your car battery.
It’s critical to look for warning signs before your battery loses its ability to start the engine. Any dead battery can be a result of avoidable human errors. For example, when the battery is draining overnight, the lights are left on, and more.
In such cases, you can get a jump-start to help you start your car and recharge the battery. On the other hand, other issues may indicate that your battery is nearing the end of its useful life and that it is time to replace it. Here are some indicators that it’s time for a new car battery.
How frequently should a car battery be replaced?
Age is one of the most critical indicators that you should replace your battery. Your car battery should last 3 to 5 years on average. If it’s getting older, pay attention to how well it performs over time.
What causes the death of a car battery?
Poor battery performance, user error, or an electrical system malfunction can all cause a battery to die. The following are some of the most common causes of a dead battery.
- A failing power system can lead to a dead battery while driving. Moreover, it can happen when an alternator is damaged, it fails to charge the batteries appropriately.
- A poor battery can quickly drain, even from minimal electrical consumption, such as the clock.
- Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can gradually degrade your battery.
- Leaving interior or exterior lights turned on will drain your battery.
- Poor battery connections are capable of making the power system’s ability to supply electricity difficult or impossible.
Signs that your car battery needs to be replaced
The car has been sitting idle for some time
Battery life will vary depending on various factors, most of which are related to how frequently you drive your vehicle. The battery is charged while you drive your car. Therefore, if you use your car daily, the battery will likely survive longer than a battery in a car that goes unused for long periods.
Terrible odor
If you detect a sulfuric odour from the battery, you likely have a problem. Moreover, you must investigate probable causes and solutions.
The engine’s start time
When you start your car, if the engine begins to turn over slowly, this is an indication that the battery is starting to fail. When you start your car, the lights in the dashboard may dim or flicker, which is another sign that your battery is failing.
- Corrosion can be seen at the battery terminals and cables
- Other indications that it is time to replace your car battery
- Power windows, for example, operate very slowly when the engine is idling than when the car is moving.
- When the car is idling, the headlights dim but brighten when the engine is revved.
You have to jump your car repeatedly
If you notice these symptoms in your vehicle, it’s time to replace the battery. You can always be sure by taking your car to an experienced mechanic or auto-supply store or testing it yourself if you’re experienced working on cars. A multi-meter test can help determine whether the battery needs to be recharged or replaced. A critical aspect of car maintenance is battery maintenance. Learn more about a vehicle check-up to ensure your vehicle’s systems are working correctly.