Your car battery is the energy source that allows your car to run. But, how do you know when it is time to replace it? How often do you need to get it checked? Read on to figure out how to take care of your battery and when to replace it.
When do you need to check your car battery?
This question depends on a few thing such as whether it was installed properly; how often the car is driven; whether it is winter; and whether you have taken care of your car battery. It is also recommended that you have your car battery replaced in general every 3-5 years. If you are not sure, you could always have your battery tested by a professional.
However, there are signs that it is time to have your battery replaced:
- Is your engine slow to start or won’t start at all?
- Has there been a battery leak or corrosion?
- Is the “check engine” light illuminated?
- Is your battery light on?
- Has the battery case changed shape or is there any visible wear and tear?
If you answered yes to any of the above signs, then it is time to have your battery replaced or at least checked.
There could be many reasons your car is struggling to start, a common culprit is a battery that needs replacement.
Why is it important to have your battery replaced or checked?
Without the battery working correctly, the car just will not run. It is the energy source that supplies current to the engine and starter motor, so make sure you are proactive with replacing and maintaining your battery.
Moving forward, here is how you can take care of your batteries:
Always make sure you turn off all lights and the radio once you are no longer using the car and that your car battery terminals stay dry in order to avoid them corroding. If you are living in a colder climate, then there is a higher chance for your battery struggling in order to work as it is harder for the starter motor to turn the engine over. If you are living in a warmer climate, on hotter days the water in your battery may evaporate, hence causing it to have a shorter life-span or corrosion of the battery terminals. You can take a few precautions in order to avoid you car sitting in extreme temperature, such as storing it in a garage or under shelter. Also, if you are going away for an extended period of time, maybe ask a friend to turn on your engine for a few minutes every week to stop the battery from going flat (or worst case, disconnect the car battery terminals – but you will need to reset your radio and clock afterwards).
Finally, here at Grimmer Motors we recycle batteries. Join in the movement for more sustainable battery use and get multiple native trees planted in your local community every time you buy or donate a car battery with us!
Keen to get your battery checked or replaced?
Make sure you head over to Grimmer Motors and have one of our skilled, professional mechanics can provide you with top-notch service for stress-free battery replacement and advice. Please Note: To avoid possible hard or non starting in the future and damage and warranty issues to your new car battery we always recommend a Alternator Charging System Test at the same time testing or replacing a car battery. Book now!