When should you replace your car battery?
The best time when should you replace your car battery is before it fails. Cars signal when battery replacement is needed. Heed the following symptoms of pending failure so you aren't stranded in cold weather.
When should you replace your car battery?
- Battery is old: Most car batteries last three years with proper maintenance. However, a battery may last fewer years depending on driving habits, the area's climate, car care, and battery brand. As batteries age, their ability to hold a full charge gradually declines. Therefore, do regular testing to find deterioration before failure strands you out.
- You frequently jump starts: A healthy battery in good condition should turn over the starter quickly. If you need frequent jump starts, it indicates that your battery keeps going dead and should be replaced.
- You have difficulty starting the engine: A car battery supplies power to the starter for cranking the engine. Slow engine turnover, prolonged cranking, or multiple attempts before firing up, signifies inadequate energy for ignition. The battery lacks sufficient charge to activate the starter motor rotation. A struggling battery means replacement time is near.
- The battery terminals are corroded and emit a foul smell: Car batteries tend to leak when damaged or overcharged. If you notice blue-green buildups or crystal-like substances on the terminals accompanied by a stinking smell of something between rotten eggs or a sewer (sulfide gas), your battery is leaking. Acid spillage is a top sign of a dying battery that needs immediate car battery replacement.
- The battery case bulges: A battery case is rectangular. When a battery is damaged, it may swell, causing a bulged case. An oddly shaped case is a sure sign of when you should replace your car battery.
- You experience electrical issues: Increasing electrical issues like dimming headlights, dashboard lights flickering, electric windows not working, radio not working, or cell phone not charging constitute a significant sign your battery is failing and needs to be replaced to avoid further damage.
Why It Might Be Time for a Car Battery Replacement, So You Don't Get Stranded Out In The Winter
If you experience these signs and live in a cold area or freezing winter, consider replacing your battery more often than recommended. Cold weather can lead to battery problems.
Winter makes your battery work harder to generate enough energy to keep your car running smoothly. Cold weather can also result in thicker engine oil, which strains your battery.
Wondering when should you replace your car battery? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
The best time when should you replace your car battery is before it fails. Cars signal when battery replacement is needed. Heed the following symptoms of pending failure so you aren't stranded in cold weather.
When should you replace your car battery?
- Battery is old: Most car batteries last three years with proper maintenance. However, a battery may last fewer years depending on driving habits, the area's climate, car care, and battery brand. As batteries age, their ability to hold a full charge gradually declines. Therefore, do regular testing to find deterioration before failure strands you out.
- You frequently jump starts: A healthy battery in good condition should turn over the starter quickly. If you need frequent jump starts, it indicates that your battery keeps going dead and should be replaced.
- You have difficulty starting the engine: A car battery supplies power to the starter for cranking the engine. Slow engine turnover, prolonged cranking, or multiple attempts before firing up, signifies inadequate energy for ignition. The battery lacks sufficient charge to activate the starter motor rotation. A struggling battery means replacement time is near.
- The battery terminals are corroded and emit a foul smell: Car batteries tend to leak when damaged or overcharged. If you notice blue-green buildups or crystal-like substances on the terminals accompanied by a stinking smell of something between rotten eggs or a sewer (sulfide gas), your battery is leaking. Acid spillage is a top sign of a dying battery that needs immediate car battery replacement.
- The battery case bulges: A battery case is rectangular. When a battery is damaged, it may swell, causing a bulged case. An oddly shaped case is a sure sign of when you should replace your car battery.
- You experience electrical issues: Increasing electrical issues like dimming headlights, dashboard lights flickering, electric windows not working, radio not working, or cell phone not charging constitute a significant sign your battery is failing and needs to be replaced to avoid further damage.
Why It Might Be Time for a Car Battery Replacement, So You Don't Get Stranded Out In The Winter
If you experience these signs and live in a cold area or freezing winter, consider replacing your battery more often than recommended. Cold weather can lead to battery problems.
Winter makes your battery work harder to generate enough energy to keep your car running smoothly. Cold weather can also result in thicker engine oil, which strains your battery.
Wondering when should you replace your car battery? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
