It’s that time of year again. The days are shorter, the temperatures are cooler, and your car battery just doesn’t seem to be holding a charge like it used to. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to repair or replace your car battery, this blog post is for you. Keep reading to learn more about the signs that indicate it’s time for a new battery, as well as tips on how to prolong the life of your current battery.
Signs You Need a New Battery
If your car is more than three years old, it’s a good idea to have the battery tested annually to ensure that it’s still in good working condition. Here are a few signs that indicate it might be time for a new battery:
The engine is slow to crank. This could be due to a number of factors, but if you’ve ruled out everything else, it could be a sign that your battery is on its last legs.
Your headlights are dimmer than usual. A drop in voltage can cause your headlights to appear dimmer than normal. This is often one of the first signs that a battery is going bad.
You’re noticing corrosion around the terminals. Corrosion build-up on the terminals can prevent electrical current from flowing freely, which will eventually lead to starting issues. If you see corrosion, it’s time to clean the terminals and/or replace the battery.
Tips for Prolonging Battery Life
In addition to having your battery tested and replaced as needed, there are a few things you can do to prolong its life:
Keep it clean. Just like with corrosion, dirt and grime can prevent electrical current from flowing freely. Be sure to keep the terminals clean so that voltage can flow unimpeded.
Drive more often. Batteries discharge faster when they’re not used regularly. If you have a second vehicle that you use more often than your primary vehicle, try giving your primary vehicle a break every now and then to help prolong its battery life.
No one likes dealing with car problems, but annual maintenance is essential if you want your vehicle to run smoothly for years to come. If you think your car battery might need to be replaced, don’t wait too long-replacing a dead battery is never fun (trust me, I’ve been there). The experts at our shop are happy to help with your car’s battery needs.