When to Replace your Car Battery

The car battery is the power for every electrical element of in vehicle. Sooner or later it will need to be replaced. How will you know when that time comes? Why would your battery need to be replaced?

Over time, a lead-acid car battery will lose some of its capacity. This is due to sulfation (a lead-sulfate compound deposited on the lead electrodes). Eventually, the capacity will drop to the point where the car battery won’t be able to start the car. Your car battery can last an average of 5-7 years. Maybe longer if the car is driven daily. If your car is parked for lengthy periods without starting, it may need to be replaced sooner.

How can you tell if your battery needs to be replaced? Well, there are some things to look for. If your car is turning over slower than usual, it may indicate your battery is failing. You may also notice that the interior lights are dimmer than usual when you’re starting your car.

Your mechanic can easily and inexpensively test your car battery with a simple battery tester. This device can also test your car’s charging and starting systems. This test will tell you if your battery needs to be replaced or simply charged. Remember, a battery absolutely needs to be replaced if it shows signs of leaking.

Does a car battery require any maintenance? Most modern batteries are maintenance free. You may need to get the terminals cleaned if there are signs of corrosion.

If your battery is draining very quickly it could indicate an internal defect or some electrical component is staying on and draining it. Your mechanic may recommend a parasitic draw test to make sure all your electrical components are turning off.

Courthouse Automotive is happy to test your car battery and your electrical system. A simple check could save you from the dangers and frustration of being stuck on the road.