Time for A Replacement Car Battery? Here’s How to Tell
Do you remember the last time you changed your car battery? If not, there’s a good chance your vehicle is ready for a battery replacement. How can you tell if it’s time to put a new battery in your car? Here are some warning signs you want to watch for that indicate your battery is close to calling it quits.
Age of the Battery
A rule of thumb for your battery is it should be changed every two to three years for best performance. However, age isn’t the only factor that impacts your battery’s performance. Your climate and the frequency in which you drive your vehicle also play a role in determining how long your battery will last.
Batteries tend to die faster in very hot or very cold climates as well as if you let your vehicle sit for an extended period of time since it doesn’t have the opportunity to charge itself.
If you can’t remember the last time you installed a new battery in your car, it’s probably time to get a new one. But before you purchase one, check the battery’s date just to make sure it’s past the recommended replacement period.
Dim Interior Lights & Headlights
Have you noticed that your vehicle’s headlights or interior lights are dimmer than usual? If yes, the dimming isn’t due to a bad bulb but is likely an indication of a failing battery.
To find out if your battery needs a replacement, you’ll need to take it to a shop for testing or use a voltmeter to test it yourself. You’ll want a reading of more than 11.8 volts. If it’s lower than that you need to replace your batter.
Frequent Jumpstarts
This one should be obvious, but if you frequently need to jump your battery for your car to start, it’s time for a new battery. A battery will only hold its charge for so long, and after it exceeds the recommended lifespan, that charge will gradually trickle out any time the vehicle isn’t moving. If your battery dies while you’re at work or overnight, it’s safe to say you need to replace your battery.
Corroded Terminals
If you have noticed power issues, you should also check your battery terminals for any signs of corrosion. Although it’s normal for terminals to wear over time, corrosion can cause voltage issues. And if the buildup gets bad enough, it may be an indication that your battery isn’t functioning as it should.
You can remove the buildup of the terminals by using baking soda and water solution with a stiff-bristled brush. After removing the corrosion, check to see if the power issues improve over time. If they don’t, you should probably get a new battery before your existing one dies.
Get a Quality Used Battery at Premier Auto & Truck Parts
If you’re looking for a replacement battery, there’s no need to spend over 100 dollars for a brand-new one! You can stop by Premier Auto & Truck Parts and we’ll hook you up with a quality used battery for less! We ensure testing of all our batteries to guarantee performance and offer warranties on all of our used auto parts as well.