You may be wondering how do you know when the car battery should be replaced? Unfortunately, a car battery may take only three to five years to become worn out and becomes unreliable around the four-year mark. Just like a cell phone battery, it becomes less efficient with each charge.
So how do you know when the car battery should be replaced? Battery manufacturers provide guidelines for the lifespan of each battery produced. However, there are some things that drivers can do to help your battery lasts as long as possible:
- Limit short trips. Batteries are not able to fully charge during short trips. But driving frequently and for longer periods of time help maintain the charge in your battery.
- Tighten battery connections. A loose battery can vibrate, causing damage to the engine and electrical circuits.
- Turn off accessories and lights—shut the door. Leaving the headlights on, the door open with a light on, or accessories plugged in for extended periods of time can drain a battery’s charge.
- Clean off terminals. Keep the battery terminals free of corrosion. A DIY tip: Scrub with a mixture of baking soda and water, rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Test output voltage. Test the output voltage of your battery frequently so you know if it’s holding a strong charge.
- Avoid using electronic accessories while idling. Turn off accessories (such as the radio or air conditioner) when you are idling. Turn the motor off if you will be sitting for more than five or 10 minutes.
- Regular tune-ups. Regular tune ups to replace spark plugs, clean wires, etc. will help avoid overloading the battery.
- Storing your car. Keeping your car warm and dry will help your battery last longer.
Remember: Check the condition of your battery frequently so you’re not left stranded in your driveway or a dark parking lot.
Want to know more about when the car battery should be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.
You may be wondering how do you know when the car battery should be replaced? Unfortunately, a car battery may take only three to five years to become worn out and becomes unreliable around the four-year mark. Just like a cell phone battery, it becomes less efficient with each charge.
So how do you know when the car battery should be replaced? Battery manufacturers provide guidelines for the lifespan of each battery produced. However, there are some things that drivers can do to help your battery lasts as long as possible:
- Limit short trips. Batteries are not able to fully charge during short trips. But driving frequently and for longer periods of time help maintain the charge in your battery.
- Tighten battery connections. A loose battery can vibrate, causing damage to the engine and electrical circuits.
- Turn off accessories and lights—shut the door. Leaving the headlights on, the door open with a light on, or accessories plugged in for extended periods of time can drain a battery’s charge.
- Clean off terminals. Keep the battery terminals free of corrosion. A DIY tip: Scrub with a mixture of baking soda and water, rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Test output voltage. Test the output voltage of your battery frequently so you know if it’s holding a strong charge.
- Avoid using electronic accessories while idling. Turn off accessories (such as the radio or air conditioner) when you are idling. Turn the motor off if you will be sitting for more than five or 10 minutes.
- Regular tune-ups. Regular tune ups to replace spark plugs, clean wires, etc. will help avoid overloading the battery.
- Storing your car. Keeping your car warm and dry will help your battery last longer.
Remember: Check the condition of your battery frequently so you’re not left stranded in your driveway or a dark parking lot.
Want to know more about when the car battery should be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.
