Your battery is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It is not only integral for starting your engine but also powers the electrical components in your ride. Without a proper-functioning battery, you will go nowhere. No matter how well your battery is maintained, you will always need car battery replacement services in Grays. They can help you in the event of any emergency.
Reasons for a car battery to die quickly.
Your battery stays charged when you reuse the energy generated from driving. So if your car stops in the driveway for a long time, you risk killing your battery. Likewise, making several short trips that don’t allow the battery to charge can strain the system. In the end, don’t forget to turn your lights off.
7 warning signs your car battery is dying
There are a few important signs that indicate your car battery’s life is reaching an end. The first sign is that your “check engine” light comes on. This typically means your battery is slowing down. Next, pay close attention to the way your vehicle behaves when it starts. Finally, it’s a good idea to observe the health of your battery so you don’t feel helpless in the middle of your journey with a car that will not start.
Here are the seven warning signs that indicate your car battery is dying.
- A slow-starting engine
Over time, the components inside your car battery will wear out and become less effective. When this happens, your battery takes a long time to form a charge for the starter, and you will have to wait extra seconds for the engine to turn over. Usually, a slow start is the last gasp before a battery kicks the bucket.
- The check engine light is on
In most vehicles, the check engine light means just about anything, and it may get on when your battery runs out of energy. Check your manual and test your battery with a mechanic to see if it works well at full capacity. If it is not, then you need a car battery replacement.
- Dim lights and electrical problems
The battery powers all the electronics in your car, from your lights to the dashboard computer. If the battery loses its charge, it will have difficulty running these things at full power. Also, while driving, the more things you plug into your car, like your mobile charger, the faster your battery will die.
- Worst smell
Damage or an internal short can cause the battery to leak gas. Get it checked by a mechanic that will let you know if you need car battery replacement services and what the next steps will be.
- Corroded connections
If you have noticed a white, ashy substance on the metal components of your battery, it means you have a corrosion problem. Corroded terminals, the negative and positive metals connection on the top of your battery, can lead to voltage problems and trouble starting your vehicle.
- A distorted battery case
Exposure to extreme cold and heat can cause a battery case to misshapen. If your battery is anything but not rectangular, chances are it is not working well.
- Old battery
It is easy to forget when the car battery replacement. In ideal conditions, car batteries usually last 3-5 years. However, electronic demands, climate, and driving habits all affect your battery lifespan. Therefore, it’s good to be cautious and test your battery at regular intervals once it gets close to the 3- year mark.
7 tips to extend your car battery lifespan
When estimating your car battery life, consider the climate you will mostly drive in. Regardless of your driving temperature, taking good care of your car battery can help keep it running. Follow these 7 tips below to extend the lifespan of your car battery.
- Limit short rides
Quick car rides prevent your battery from charging. Instead, maintain its power by driving it often and for extended periods. If you don’t use your car frequently, invest in a portable car battery charger. These chargers can start your battery without any other vehicle in case you are ever stranded.
2. Tightly fasten your battery
A battery that is not tightly fastened can vibrate and potentially results in short circuits and internal damage. Therefore, check your battery regularly, especially if you often drive on bumpy roads, to ensure it is properly and tightly positioned in the mounting bracket.
3. Turn off the lights when you exit
If you keep your car door lights and headlights on, you put a heavy toll on your vehicle’s battery. To stop yourself from forgetting, paste a note on your dashboard or attach a sticker reminder on your vehicle’s remote or in a park’s direction where you must pass your headlights to get to your destination.
4. Control the corrosion
Battery terminals corrode gradually but keeping them clean from buildup is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your car battery. First, use a toothbrush dipped in water and a baking soda mixture to scrub the terminals. Then wash the mixture with a spray bottle of cold water and thoroughly dry it with a clean cloth.
5. Test your battery frequently.
You should know the condition of your car battery to maximize its life. Test the output battery level of your car with a car battery tester to be aware of how perfectly you are maintaining it or if you are due for a new one.
6. Stop using electronics while idling
Turn off the functions like the air conditioner or radios when your engine is not working to put less wear and tear on your battery power. Long periods of idling can wear a battery down as well.
7. Take care of your car
Your car includes many components working together. Take your car in for routine tune-ups and properly store your vehicle to ensure a full-capacity lifespan of your battery. Of course, the battery is only one part of a perfect-running car. So ensure you properly maintain all car components to maximize its life and your battery’s life. You can also get car battery replacement services to ensure smooth sailing.
