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How To Know When It’s Time To Replace Your Car Battery
With a car battery being one of the most important components of a vehicle, it’s essential to keep an eye on it and to understand when it’s time for a replacement. The last thing you want to happen is for the car to break down on a long journey and wish you’d taken a moment to check the condition of the battery. Luckily, there are certain signs that can give you an indication of whether a car battery needs to be replaced.
What warning signs do I need to look out for?
- The check engine light appears – When battery power is weak, it’s common for the check engine light icon to appear.
- Sluggish engine crank – On starting the car, you may find that cranking the engine is slow and there is a delay. This is an indicator of a weak battery.
- Low battery fluid level – If you find that battery fluid level has dropped below the lead plates/energy conductor, then it’s time to have the system checked. The low fluid is usually the result of overheating.
- Swelling – Bloated battery casing may be a sign of excessive heat and the life has been decreased.
- Battery leakage – If you notice a strong, sulfur smell coming from the battery then it is likely to be leaking. The leakage causes corrosion around the (+) and (-) cable connections and this substance will need to be removed. Otherwise, the car is unlikely to start.
- An old battery – A car battery that is over three years old is more likely to break down than a new one. Be sure to have the condition of the battery inspected on an annual basis.
Are there any other factors that will affect the life of my car battery?
The overall life of a car battery will depend on certain factors. Consider the following:
The length of a journey
Taking frequent short journeys in a car will shorten the lifespan of a battery. This is due to the battery not having enough time to fully recharge.
Temperature
Keep in mind that excessive temperatures can damage batteries beyond repair. Hot weather during summer is as likely to kill your battery as freezing weather during winter. We wouldn’t recommend waiting until winter to replace a heat worn battery because the cold temperature could break it instantly.
How can I stop my battery from breaking down?
- To stop your battery from being drained, turn off all electrical equipment within the car. This includes heaters, interior and exterior lights and unplugging any items that are connected to a USB port.
- Carry out regular battery checks and look for signs of corrosion.
- Be sure to service your vehicle regularly so it is kept in top condition.
- Take long car journeys and give the battery a chance to recharge.
- Take the strain off the battery by depressing the clutch when starting the engine.
Finding the right car battery replacement
No battery can last forever and when the time comes for a replacement, you’ll want to have a product that is reliable and long-lasting. At Cox Motor Parts, we supply a range of genuine Honda batteries that are designed to meet road safety standards. For more information, get in touch with us today.
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