How Car Batteries Work
Your vehicle’s battery is its primary power source, providing the necessary energy to start the engine. Once the engine is running, the alternator takes over and recharges the battery while you drive, in addition to powering your vehicle’s electrical systems. When the engine is off, the battery provides power to components such as lights, ignition systems, and electronic accessories. A new battery, or one that is properly serviced and maintained, can improve starting performance and fuel efficiency, extend the service life of the alternator and starter, and help make your driving experience as smooth as can be.
What We Do During Battery Service
Battery service is often a very simple process of cleaning, diagnosing possible issues, or replacing the battery if necessary. When you bring your vehicle in for service, our technicians can test the output with a voltmeter test, clean built-up corrosion off the battery’s surface and terminals, or help you find the right battery for replacement. Depending on the service required, this process usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour.
When You Should Get Your Battery Checked
It’s always a good idea to check the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle for information and instructions regarding your specific make and model. The vehicle manufacturers will have set guidelines for scheduling routine maintenance. However, there are a few symptoms of a failing battery that you can look out for, which may include but are not limited to:
- The engine turning over when attempting to start the car (it will make a repetitive “click, click” sound)
- The vehicle won’t start or takes multiple attempts to start
- Cabin lights or headlights are dim, flickering, or won’t turn on at all
- Failure of electrical components, such as malfunctioning digital dashboards
- Jump-starting does not start the vehicle or recharge the battery
- Insufficient voltage readouts from a voltmeter test
It is possible that the listed issues arise unrelated to the car’s battery, or that the issues you are noticing are not listed here. In this case, we recommend scheduling an inspection to prevent further damage and failure risks.
How Often Your Battery Should Be Replaced
Car problems are stressful. In the wake of looming repairs, you might be thinking, “How did this happen?” Unfortunately, batteries wear out over time, but they can also be affected by factors such as improperly connected accessories, infrequent use of the vehicle, overly hot temperatures, and high cranking currents caused by freezing temperatures. In general, warmer climates will shorten the life of a battery due to the evaporation of the fluids inside the battery, leading to a weaker charge. In addition, long periods spent in a discharged state tend to increase damage due to sulfation (a build-up of lead sulfate crystals). It’s typical for vehicle batteries to last three to five years. However, factors like driving habits and the environment can greatly affect a battery’s lifespan.
