December 15, 2022
SIGNS YOUR CAR BATTERY HAS TO BE REPLACED
Car battery has subsisted for over a century now, struggling in quietness, catching all the load of work upon them modestly.
And we frequently never pay much thought to them until they stop working. Because that’s the only point where we worry a little about them.
But have you ever wondered; how exactly do they work?
That’s what we’re here for. So, let’s just get into learning a few facts about the most relevant part of any vehicle.
An automotive car battery is a rechargeable battery that is used to start a motor vehicle. The majority of car batteries use a lead-acid chemical reaction, in which each battery has six cells made up of lead & lead-dioxide that delivers 2-volts of energy. The plates are immersed in sulphuric acid that assists in stimulating the response among the two plates.
The acid then produces a reaction on the lead dioxide plate, making it to create ions which then react to the adjacent plate to produce hydrogen and lead sulfate.
This reaction helps in generating electrons that race around the plate to generate electricity.
The electric current generated then slides out of the battery terminals to commence your engine and play the radio.
Dealing with a car battery that is not as strong as it used to be is concerning. It can lead to a long list of issues car owners don’t want to face while driving.
Here is a look at five common signs that your car battery has to be changed as soon as possible
1) Difficulty Turning On The Vehicle
When the car has to be turned on, it will start sputtering. This is a sign the car battery is not charging as it needs to and that means it is not driving power to the rest of the vehicle. At first, this is not going to be as noticeable. Over time, the sputtering will continue to get longer and longer. This is frustrating and a clear-cut sign that battery is losing juice.
2) Poor Performance In Cold Weather
When it is cold outside, the battery is not warmed up. If the battery is not at 100%, this is going to be a major concern because cold weather puts a tremendous amount of pressure on this part of the vehicle.
If it does not turn on easily during the winter, this is a sign it’s time to change the battery.
3) Electrical Malfunctions
If the doors are not locking properly or the windows aren’t going up using the button, this is likely due to the car battery not powering them effectively.
It’s best to change the battery when this happens because it will get worse with time.
4) Dashboard Lights & Lighting Issues
When the dashboard lights start flashing, this is a sign the battery is dying. Several issues arise and that is when warning lights show up on the dashboard.
This can include the alternator not returning charge, which happens when a battery is weak.
5) Strange Odor
When there is a distinct smell coming from the vehicle, it is a common sign there is something wrong with the battery. This smell is often referred to as being like “rotten eggs” and it is a smell that continues to worsen with time.
The reason this happens has to do with the battery leaking gas. The sulfuric acid in the battery starts to come out. This is a major sign that a change is required right away.
For the average person, diagnosing which part of these two systems could be causing the problem can be difficult. The experts at Absolute Car Care can help.
The Average Car Battery Life
On average, car batteries last between 3 and 5 years. One of the most important factors that affects how long a car battery will last is the weather. A running engine under the hood is already producing high levels of heat. Throw in a scorching hot day and you have a severe drain on your car battery, which can lead to an increased chance of a dead battery if you don’t take proper summer driving precautions.
Warm weather can cause fluid in car batteries to evaporate, damaging the internal structure of the battery. That’s why average battery life is shorter in warmer climates. So when estimating how long your car battery life will last, consider the climate you will do most of your driving in.
Regardless of the temperature you drive in, properly taking care of your car battery can help keep it running. Check out the seven tips below on extending the life of your car battery:
1. Limit Short Rides
Quick car rides prevent your car’s battery from fully charging. Maintain your car’s battery power by driving it frequently and for extended periods. If you don’t use your car often, consider investing in a portable car battery charger. These portable chargers can jump start your battery without another vehicle in case you’re ever stranded.
2. Keep Your Battery Tightly Fastened
A battery that’s not securely fastened could vibrate, potentially resulting in internal damage and short circuits. Have your battery terminal checked regularly – especially if you frequently drive on bumpy roads – to ensure it is tightly and properly positioned in the mounting bracket.
3. Turn Off All the Lights When You Exit
Accidentally keeping your headlights and car door lights on can put a heavy toll on your vehicle’s battery. To keep yourself from forgetting, post a note on your dashboard, attach a sticker reminder on your car remote or park in a direction where you must walk past your headlights to get to your destination.
4. Control the Corrosion
Battery terminals corrode over time but keeping them clean from buildup is a great way to extend the life of your car battery. Scrub the terminals with a toothbrush dipped in a baking soda and water mixture. Then, using a spray bottle with cold water, rinse the mixture off and follow up with a thorough drying with a clean cloth.
5. Test Your Battery Often
Knowing the condition of your car battery matters when you want to maximize its life. Test your battery’s output voltage level with a car battery tester to keep track of how well you’re maintaining it and if you’re due for a new one.
6. Don’t Use Electronics While Idling
Turn off functions like the radio or air conditioner when your engine isn’t running to put less wear and tear on your battery power. Extended periods of idling also can wear a battery down.
7. Care for Your Whole Car
Your car is comprised of many parts working together. Making sure you are taking your car in for routine tune ups, as well as properly storing your vehicle are also simple ways to ensure your battery’s lifespan can reach its full capacity. The battery is just one component of a well-running car, so make sure to properly maintain all parts of your car to extend its life and the life of your battery.
The Average Car Battery Life
On average, car batteries last between 3 and 5 years. One of the most important factors that affects how long a car battery will last is the weather. A running engine under the hood is already producing high levels of heat. Throw in a scorching hot day and you have a severe drain on your car battery, which can lead to an increased chance of a dead battery if you don’t take proper summer driving precautions.