When's the Right Time to Change My Car Battery
A car battery is a core aspect of a vehicle. It's not only vital for starting the car, but it also controls the electrical components in the car. Having a weak car battery means you'll be dealing with a non-functional car.
Starting a car is easy as you only have to press a button or turn the key; however, your car battery does the major work. When you ignite the car to start, the battery receives a signal, and a chemical reaction occurs. This process generates electrical energy that gets the engine to start working. So if the car battery is dead, it won't be able to start up the engine; you may only be able to flash the headlights, which might not turn on in most cases.
However, many vehicle owners usually don't recognize when it's time to replace a car battery. Read on to know how often you should replace your car battery, the factors that affect the battery life, and the indications that it's time to change the car battery.
How to Know When To Change Your Car Battery
Even though your battery may not alert you when it's about to fail, there are few signs that indicate that the battery is dying.
The Engine Starts Slow or Delays before Starting
The condition of a car battery usually declines over time and functions less effectively. As the battery auto parts deteriorate, it takes longer for the battery to start up the engine. Delayed starts are usually a sign that your battery is dying.
The Lights Become Dim
Your vehicle lights and other electrical connections are powered by the battery. When the battery charging system is waning, it won't be able to power all the electronics in the vehicle. Additionally, the more things you turn on or plug, the faster the battery dies.
The Check Engine Light Is On
For many vehicles, it may be a sign that the battery life is declining when the check engine light turns on. A mechanic can help you check if your battery is still efficient; otherwise, you'll need to replace it.
Unpleasant Odor
When your car battery is damaged, it may start to leak gas. Leaking batteries usually emit bad odors. If you notice any bad smell, you should check your car battery and replace it if it's leaking.
The Battery Case Is Contorted
A car battery can also be affected by environmental factors such as extreme heat or cold. Severe weather conditions can make the battery case swell. If your battery appears to misshapen, it might not be working at its full capacity.
Factors That Can Affect a Vehicle's Battery Life
Is your car battery dead? Here are some factors that can affect the life of your vehicle’s battery
- A car battery usually charges as the car is driven on the road. Leaving your vehicle parked in the driveway for a long time can affect your battery life.
- Also, driving at short distances frequently doesn't give the battery time to recharge, thereby straining the system and reducing its inefficiency.
- Finally, leaving your lights on can reduce the car battery life.
How Often Should You Change Your Car Battery
Generally, the duration of battery life depends on the condition of the vehicle. However, on average, most cars require that you change the car battery every four years. The time may be shorter for vehicles driven during winter for more extended periods.
Many batteries do not give signs that they are going to fail, so it's best to start checking the health of your battery from the third year to ensure it doesn't affect your vehicle's condition or leave you stranded on the road.
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