How Often Do You Need To Replace Your Car Battery?

Have you ever had to call for roadside assistance because of a dead battery?  As you know, if your battery is starting to fail, your vehicle won’t have the power to start, move, or power any of the electrical accessories.

Wondering what issues could cause starting problems?  Check out the problems below: 

1. Battery terminals and cables may be loose, broken, corroded, or calcified, 
2. The fluid level in the terminals may be too low,
3. An electrical current is drawing power from the battery even when the car is turned off,
4. The starter is going bad,
5. The alternator is going bad

So you may be wondering how often do you need to replace your car battery?  Normally, under normal driving conditions, car batteries can become worn down and inefficient between 4 and 7 years. Car batteries work just like cell phone batteries—with every charge it becomes less efficient.  Once your battery reaches the four-year mark, it may be almost totally unreliable.  A weak battery can have a negative effect on all the components of the auto electrical system, such as headlights, radio, power windows, etc.  

Another big problem relating to car batteries is the stop-start technology in newer cars that are designed to automatically switch off when at a standstill.  This places a greater strain on batteries than standard vehicles.  The powerful computers found in today’s cars are operating all the time, even when the vehicle is parked and switched off, drawing energy from the battery at a slow, steady rate. 

Here are several signs that it may be time for a car battery replacement:

1. The engine won’t start even though you hear it cranking. 
2. You turn the key in the starter but nothing happens.
3. Your vehicle may start randomly one day and not the next.  

Remember to add car battery maintenance to your automotive service checklist, just like changing the oil, tires rotation, air filter, and windshield wipers.   

Do you know how often do you need to replace your car battery?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon for more information about a car battery replacement and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves car owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.