Know When to Replace Your Car Battery

Owning and properly maintaining your vehicle is just as important as putting gas in it when you need to go somewhere. It is obvious that without gas, your vehicle won’t run. The same goes for important regularly scheduled maintenance of a vehicle. One of the most basic solutions to your vehicle’s problems, is a simple Car Battery Installation.

Some drivers don’t think much about their vehicle’s battery, because until it stops working, it’s easy to forget. Once the battery on your car dies, however, the real issues begin to surface. So, how do you avoid the dreaded roadside breakdown due to an old car battery? There are some tell-tale signs that will help you be aware of the fact that your vehicle needs a new battery, before you are stranded on the side of a major interstate.

Top 5 Signs Your Car Battery is on the Fritz

1. Ignition is Slow to Start: When you turn on your vehicle, does it immediately respond by quickly turning on? Or does it seem sluggish? If your car seems to have a slower than normal engine crank, head in and have your battery tested.
2. Check Engine Light: If your battery’s power is weak, the check engine light on your vehicle may illuminate. Whether or not you suspect a weak battery, it’s important to get your vehicle checked to discover why the check engine light has turned on.
3. Battery Fluid Level: The translucent casing on top of your vehicle’s battery allows you to keep an eye on your battery’s fluid level. If the fluid level is lower than the lead plates, your battery should be replaced with a new car battery installation.
4. Battery Leak: When checking your battery fluid level, keep an eye out for any corrosion around the posts of the battery where the cable connections are located. Any gunk or build up is an indication that your battery may need to be replaced. Clean off the corrosion you see, and have your battery checked.
5. Old Age: Is your battery over three years old? If it is an older battery, but appears to be working fine, have it checked on an annual basis.

What Can Affect the Life of My Car’s Battery?

The simple rule of three years for the life of a battery is a conservative estimate, and should not always be used to measure the effectiveness of your car’s battery. Certain driving habits, and where you live, can also affect how long your battery will last. If you regularly travel short distances, your battery may not last has long, since it does not have enough time to fully recharge during each use. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can also shorten the life of your battery.

Keep these warning signs in mind when you are wondering if it may be time for a new car battery installation. When in doubt, always take your vehicle in to a certified service center, and let the experts help you decide.