You rely on your vehicle’s battery to power your automobile every time you turn the ignition key or press the start button. The Shop Tire and Service Center can help keep your battery healthy and happy until it’s time to replace it. Batteries don’t last forever, so let’s answer some FAQs about car battery problems that we get asked all the time.
How Long Does a Car Battery Last?
A vehicle’s battery will last, on average, three-to-four years. You might get more life out of your car’s battery if you don’t demand too much of it. Today’s vehicles require more electrical power than ever before, and the more devices you have plugged into the interior USB ports, the more life you’re draining out of your automobile battery.
How Can I Tell How Old My Battery Is?
If you want to make sure your car’s battery isn’t three years or older, pop the hood and look at the battery case. You’ll see two numbers on it, and these numbers represent the month and year your car battery was manufactured. For example, if you see an 11 and an 18, your car, truck, CUV, or SUV’s battery was made in November of 2018.
Why Do Car Batteries Die in Cold Weather?
A vehicle battery uses a series of lead plates that combine to make battery cells and places them in a water and sulfuric acid solution. This causes a chemical reaction between the cells and solution, but the chemical reaction is slowed down in freezing or below-freezing temperatures. Consequently, batteries lose 30-to-60 percent of their power.
Why Do Car Batteries Corrode?
Age is a common reason why car batteries corrode. The battery case might crack and leak solution, or you might end up with a corroded positive battery terminal because the battery is overcharged. Hydrogen gas causes battery corrosion. It is a byproduct of the battery’s sulfuric acid and the corrosion is a chemical reaction between the hydrogen gas and air.
What Are Signs My Car Battery Is Dying?
Corrosion is one sign that your car battery is dying. Another sign is cracking or bubbling of the battery case. You might also notice your headlights and other vehicle lights aren’t as bright as they used to be. A dying battery makes starting your vehicle difficult, and your power accessories will slow down. If the battery is really dead, it won’t be able to hold a charge at all.
Stop by the best auto shop in Elk River, MN: The Shop Tire and Service Center. We’ll test your battery and replace it if it isn’t holding enough of a charge anymore.