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.

Wondering When Does a Car Battery Need to be replaced?

The car battery is the most underrated, but the most vital piece of equipment your car wants in order to be driven down the street.  The battery is an energy storage device that relies on a chemical reaction within the battery to produce electricity. This stored electrical energy is used to initially operate the starter motor, ignition system, and fuel system. Once the motor is running, the alternator supplies the electricity needed for all the other vehicle systems and re-charges the battery as you operate the car.

Is it safe to drive with a bad battery?  Yes, but if it is weak and dies completely, you could be stranded on the side of the road on a hot summer day. A bad battery may also overload the alternator and adversely affect the operation of the vehicle’s electrical system.

Don’t wait for your battery to fail completely.  When it gets old (3-4 years) you may find yourself in need of a car battery replacement.  Though, if you already have a new battery under your hood and it keeps dying, there may be some other reasons why.  Ask your mechanic to inspect it out!

So when does a car battery need to be replaced?  Generally, a battery will have a service life of 4 to 7 years.  Here are a few positions which indicate it is time for a car battery replacement:

• Your car doesn’t start. As a battery age, the cranking amps become lower than the original rating. Once the cranking amps fall below a critical threshold, it will be difficult, if not impossible to start your vehicle.
• Battery warning light illuminates. If the battery warning light illuminates, ask your auto mechanic to inspect your battery and if it wants to be replaced.
• Electrical components don’t work. Once a battery has started to fail and the voltage produced by the battery drops, the vehicle’s electrical components can malfunction. 

Remember:  Ultimately, every battery will die.  Though, the key to prolonging the life of your battery and avoiding a premature car battery replacement is to keep it well-maintained. 

Wondering when does a car battery need to be replaced?  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 vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.