Car battery replacement time is best done before the battery life dies. The condition of a car battery is important in relation to the engine performance.
Therefore, you need to know when to undertake battery replacement by observing some signs that the battery life is almost done. On average, the car battery lasts for up to 4 years.
But this depends on your driving conditions, battery charging system conditions and several other factors listed here today. Further, a battery guide concerning the type of car battery and its components also affects the average battery lifespan.
Keep in mind that the electric car battery is a different one from the gasoline engine battery. This post focuses mainly on the gasoline engine batteries.
Warning signs of a failing car battery.
The vehicle electrical system needs the car battery which facilitates the functionality of car accessories, the onboard computer and engine starting system. Undertaking vehicle maintenance should be inclusive of car battery care.
a] Slow engine cranking.
The power source for the automobile engine starting process is the battery. When the battery capacity is at an optimum, engine ignition will take place immediately.
However, when the car battery replacement time approaches, the engine will tend to crank continuously without starting. It is common to assume that a dead car battery is responsible in occasions when the car won’t start.
b] Battery warning light.
Undertaking frequent car care is one of the ways to avoid the common dashboard warning lights. A compromised battery capacity will be detected by the car’s onboard computer.
Therefore, there will be a warning light on the dashboard to indicate this to the driver. Once this warning shows up, you need to test the battery capacity with a testing tool. Therefore, you will know if this is time to replace the battery.
However the battery warning light could be an indication that there are problems within the vehicle electric system. Perform engine diagnostics using a tool in order to find out where the problem lies.
c] Dim or flickering headlights.
The car battery is the power source for all the lights on a car. When its car battery replacement time, it will be unable to supply sufficient power to the lights. Inclusive of taillights, dashboard lights and others.
Alternatively, this could be an indication that you need to boost the car battery’s charge using a charger. Because the battery capacity could just be weak. You can remove the battery and connect it to a charger.
However if this problem persists after charging the battery, you need to replace it.
d] Foul odor from leaking battery fluid.
Occasions in which the battery fluid leaks include, when the battery is overcharged, damaged or old. The result of this leakage will be a foul order that isn’t hard to miss.
The foul odor is because of Sulphur which is a common car battery component. Even without the chemical leaking from the battery, the battery may let out some foul smelling gases. Its a sign that the car battery replacement time is here.
e] Odd battery shape.
When you notice that the battery has assumed an odd shape, this could warrant a replacement. Firstly, because it goes against vehicle safety. Secondly because that battery will fail at any moment.
By battery failing we mean that it won’t be able to hold charge. The odd shape is usually a result of overcharging or exposure to extreme temperatures.
Such a car battery will be subject to constant charge and discharge as the temperatures rise and fall.
f] Unusual corrosion buildup around battery terminals.
Corrosion around the car battery terminals results from exposure to elements like varying temperatures and air. Therefore, we can claim that a certain level of corrosion comes with the territory.
However, if you notice that the corrosion builds up at an unusually high rate, this is a bad sign. The corrosion causes the connection to be severed.
Hence preventing charge from reaching the car battery, from the charging system. Additionally, it prevents the battery’s charge from reaching the necessary auto parts. In fact, it is one of the reasons why the car battery dies.
g] Regular jumpstarts.
When the car battery dies, a jumpstart is the normal thing for you to do. The problem comes whereby the car won’t jumpstart after the battery dies. It could be an indication of the car battery replacement time.
Alternatively, if your battery keeps dying, then you have to perform multiple jumpstarts within a short period of time. This could indicate a problematic electric system that needs further investigation.
How to maintain your car battery for optimal performance.
The occasional automotive service will involve ensuring that the vehicle’s set-up is working properly. This should include checking the car battery capacity. Do the following to maintain a good battery health;
a]. Maintain battery terminal cleanliness.
You my notice that dirt, corrosion and other grime accumulates around battery terminals through out the lifespan of your battery. These contaminants usually reduce the battery’s charging and volt discharge abilities.
Therefore, ensure that you use the correct materials to clean them off. This will improve the battery’s operation and improve its lifespan.
b]. Perform regular battery fluid level check.
Well, this totally depends on the type of battery that you’re using. There are car batteries that require regular maintenance in order to renew their fluid levels. Alternatively, there’re others that don’t need this.
Such batteries that need regular maintenance have a removable cap. Weekly checks on the battery fluid levels will help you avoid being stranded because of a dead battery.
But you also need some maintenance for the batteries that do not have a cap on them. Their maintenance involves conducting regular tests to ensure that battery voltage hasn’t been lost.
c]. Drive regularly for substantially long distances.
The battery relies on the vehicle’s charging system in order to renew its electric volts levels. Driving for a long distance gives the battery sufficient time to become fully charged.
Before purposely taking such an action, inspect the car timing belt and battery terminal connections to ensure they’re ready.
d]. Reduce using battery voltage.
When the vehicle engine is turned off, every electric power requirement comes from the car battery. However, if the engine is running, the power source is the engine which is powered by fuel.
Therefore, reduce the use of the car battery power to run the ac, stereo and other accessories when the engine is off. Alternatively, you can acquire a deep-cycle-starting combination battery or an auxiliary battery because it is suitable for discharge and recharge.
e]. Use battery charger or maintainer.
A battery charger or maintainer usually keeps your battery charge at maximum volts. Especially when you’re not using your vehicle frequently.
Further, the charger or maintainer is very effective at preventing battery discharges. Therefore, facilitating a longer car battery life.
f]. Battery positioning stability.
Ensure that the battery maintains a fastened place where it is located. This will prevent it from moving due to engine vibrations and road terrain effects.
Because if the battery is not fastened in its place, it will have loose terminal connections. This will cause the car battery to loose charge hence reducing the car battery life.
What affects a car battery lifespan?
All of us would like for the car battery to last until the full lifespan it is meant to. Therefore look out for the following list of factors that affect car battery lifespan.
a]. Temperatures.
The extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold have a major effect on the car battery life. Extremely high temperatures cause the electrolyte fluid in the battery to evaporate. However, extremely low temperatures will reduce the battery’s capacity to hold charge.
b]. Poor driving habits.
The driving habits affect the battery life because of the impact on the battery’s charging system. The battery needs you take long trips so that it can recharge up to full capacity.
c]. Effects of time.
The car battery life is quite a long time that ranges between 3-5 years. This depends on undertaking the proper car battery maintenance. Further, battery utilization and atmospheric factors play a key role.
d]. Corrosion.
Accumulation of corrosion on car battery terminals prevents it from charging properly. Therefore, this affects its ability to hold charge hence affecting its lifespan.
Common mistakes to avoid when replacing a car battery.
Failure to test the car battery and the vehicle’s electric system to ensure that there were no underlying problems that may cause the new battery to fail.
Not tightening connections to the battery terminals is another mistake.
The wrong car battery size and capacity for your vehicle is a common mistake during battery replacement.
Incorrect battery installation in consideration to the positive and negative terminals.
Wrongful disconnection of the car battery terminals is a common mistake. The positive and negative cables should be disconnected in a prescribed order. Otherwise there is a risk of damaging the vehicle’s electric system.