Even if you don’t know much about vehicles, you probably know that a dead car battery is a very bad thing. Without a working battery, your vehicle will not start and you are stranded. Leaving your lights on, cold weather, and old age can all cause your battery to die.
If you’re not sure about the condition of your battery, it’s best to have it checked at your local service station. A battery check-up will let you know the temperature at which your battery may fail. It also gives you an idea of how much battery life is left.
What’s so important about the battery? Your vehicle’s battery provides the electricity necessary to power all your vehicle’s electrical components. Without battery power, your car won’t start. Your battery also stabilizes the voltage in order to keep your engine running.
Possible signs your battery needs replacement.
- Age: a typical battery will last 3 to 5 years. Your battery may last longer than that, but you should start having it checked regularly after it reaches the 3-year mark. Driving habits, weather conditions, and frequent short trips can all shorten the life of your car battery.
- Slow engine crank: cranking of the engine is slow and takes longer than normal to start.
- Check engine light comes on: this sometimes happens when your battery power is weak.
- Low battery fluid level: overcharging creates heat, which may cause battery fluid levels to drop.
- Enlarged battery case: excessive heat may cause your battery case to swell.
- Rotten egg smell: battery leaks may cause a sulfur odor around the battery. Leaking also causes corrosion around the posts (the + and – cable connections).
Highway Tire Service & Collision is a family owned automotive service center in Terrell, NC. Drive safe!
Everything You Need to Know About Car Batteries