When Should I Replace a Car Battery?
When shopping for a new car, most people typically judge it based on its engine capacity, its fuel efficiency, its size, or the level of comfort it offers. Few pay much attention to the car battery. As one of the most important parts of any modern vehicle, the battery manages a massive range of tasks and devices, from starting the engine to powering in-car computers.
In addition to changing the oil, replacing air filters and other vehicle maintenance services, taking care of your car battery is one of the most effective ways to ensure your car runs smoothly and without any problems for many miles. Flat or damaged batteries are one of the top causes for roadside assistance calls. Many breakdowns occur because of batteries that are simply too old for the job they’re performing.
Although batteries can last for five years or more when properly cared for, most car batteries will become worn down and inefficient within three years of everyday use in normal conditions. Just like your computer or smart-phone battery becomes less efficient with every charge, so your car battery gradually deteriorates every time it’s charged up by the vehicle’s engine.
After four or five years, most car batteries will be almost completely unreliable and can present a number of safety and reliability issues.
- How is the auto electrical system responding? Even though your car can still start with a failing battery, features that have significant power demands, like headlights, may not function as well as they should.
- The newer your car, the bigger the strain on its battery. Many new cars have powerful computers that are operating all the time, even when the vehicle is parked and switched off. These computers can draw energy from your car’s battery at a slow, steady rate, wearing it down over time.
- Check your battery frequently to avoid breakdowns and extend its lifespan. The next time you take your car to your auto shop for a routine service, make sure to have the battery checked. It could go from 90% performance to 20% over the course of a few months. Your mechanic can advise you as to any maintenance issues that need to be taken care of.
- Cars with stop-start technology may need special batteries. Cars with engines that are designed to automatically switch off when at a standstill place a greater strain on their batteries than standard vehicles, and often need a special battery.
If your battery is showing signs of wear and hasn't been replaced in two or three years, don’t take any risks. The small price of a car battery replacement is worth the cost to avoid the stress of a roadside breakdown.
Are you asking, “When should I replace a car battery?” Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information about car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding area.
When shopping for a new car, most people typically judge it based on its engine capacity, its fuel efficiency, its size, or the level of comfort it offers. Few pay much attention to the car battery. As one of the most important parts of any modern vehicle, the battery manages a massive range of tasks and devices, from starting the engine to powering in-car computers.
In addition to changing the oil, replacing air filters and other vehicle maintenance services, taking care of your car battery is one of the most effective ways to ensure your car runs smoothly and without any problems for many miles. Flat or damaged batteries are one of the top causes for roadside assistance calls. Many breakdowns occur because of batteries that are simply too old for the job they’re performing.
Although batteries can last for five years or more when properly cared for, most car batteries will become worn down and inefficient within three years of everyday use in normal conditions. Just like your computer or smart-phone battery becomes less efficient with every charge, so your car battery gradually deteriorates every time it’s charged up by the vehicle’s engine.
After four or five years, most car batteries will be almost completely unreliable and can present a number of safety and reliability issues.
- How is the auto electrical system responding? Even though your car can still start with a failing battery, features that have significant power demands, like headlights, may not function as well as they should.
- The newer your car, the bigger the strain on its battery. Many new cars have powerful computers that are operating all the time, even when the vehicle is parked and switched off. These computers can draw energy from your car’s battery at a slow, steady rate, wearing it down over time.
- Check your battery frequently to avoid breakdowns and extend its lifespan. The next time you take your car to your auto shop for a routine service, make sure to have the battery checked. It could go from 90% performance to 20% over the course of a few months. Your mechanic can advise you as to any maintenance issues that need to be taken care of.
- Cars with stop-start technology may need special batteries. Cars with engines that are designed to automatically switch off when at a standstill place a greater strain on their batteries than standard vehicles, and often need a special battery.
If your battery is showing signs of wear and hasn't been replaced in two or three years, don’t take any risks. The small price of a car battery replacement is worth the cost to avoid the stress of a roadside breakdown.
Are you asking, “When should I replace a car battery?” Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information about car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding area.
