7 Signs Your Car Needs a New Battery

Here’s a car battery problem checklist that can help you recognize the common signs that it’s time for a replacement: 

1. Vehicle won’t start: A dead battery won’t provide enough electrical power for your engine to crank.

2. Vehicle starts slowly: A weak automotive battery will struggle to power the starter motor. This can lead to repeated attempts to start the engine and unusual sounds from the engine.

3. Frequently needing a jump start: If your old car battery is dying, it won’t hold a charge long enough for the engine to recharge it. Therefore, you’ll have to rely on jumper cables to start your vehicle.

4. Dashboard warning lights: A lit battery light or check engine light may signal a battery issue.

5. Malfunctioning electrical accessories: A failing battery won’t supply sufficient electrical power to the car’s electrical components, such as the headlights and the air conditioning system.

6. Bloated battery case: When an alternator overcharges, it generates excess voltage, leading to electrolysis and hydrogen gas build-up. This will increase the pressure in your car battery and make it swell.

7. Odd smell: A rotten egg odor from the auto battery indicates a battery acid leakage, which can corrode nearby areas.

TIP: It’s a good idea to get free battery testing during tire changes, as worn tires can negatively impact your battery health.

How Urgent Is a Car Battery Replacement?

A battery replacement service is an urgent procedure. You should have a mechanic attend to your dying or faulty battery ASAP, as it could stop working anytime and leave you stranded. 

Remember, weak automotive batteries strain more in cold weather, making it harder to start your car in freezing temperatures.

Moreover, if you notice leaking battery acid or a bloated battery case, don’t delay replacement. It can cause explosions and damage engine parts, leading to expensive repairs. 

Want to get your current battery replaced, but your car won’t start?

Contacting a mobile mechanic like AutoNation Mobile Service is your best option. We’ll come to you for mobile battery installation, serpentine belt replacement, brake repair, or any other auto repair.

How to Choose the Right Car Battery for Replacement

It’s best to ask a mechanic about the right battery for your vehicle. Some factors to consider for a new car battery include: 

• Type: Check your car’s manual to identify the correct battery type for your vehicle. Some variants available in the market are:
  • Standard flooded battery: Also called a traditional lead-acid battery, this type is commonly used in older vehicles with fewer electric functions.

  • Enhanced flooded battery (EFB): These are an advanced version of the standard flooded lead-acid batteries, built for newer vehicles with more powerful electrical systems.

  • Sealed lead acid battery (SLA): Compatible with modern vehicles or applications requiring spill-proof designs. These include:
    • Absorbent Glass Mat battery (AGM): Compatible with start-stop systems. Interstate Battery is a popular AGM brand.

    • Gel cell battery: Compatible with deep-cycle applications like RVs.

• • Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH): Compatible with hybrid and older electric vehicles.

  • Lithium-ion battery (EV batteries): Compatible with an electric vehicle.

• Battery size and terminal placement: Buy a new battery that fits your car battery terminals and battery tray. The battery group size is usually printed on the label of your current battery, located on the top or side.

• Electrical specifications: Ensure the battery’s reserve capacity and Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) match your vehicle’s requirements. The higher the CCA, the better it’ll perform in frigid conditions.

• Features: Consider specs like a handle for easy car battery installation and a vent system to prevent gas build-up.

• Battery warranty: Verify if an auto battery replacement is included in your manufacturer’s warranty or car insurance. You can also check if they offer a free battery test service.

  NOTE: Standard car insurance typically doesn’t cover replacement unless tied to a specific battery warranty or breakdown policy.

• Age: The battery’s age indicates its performance. Consider installing a fresh battery (less than 6 months old). Check the manufacturing date, which is usually stamped on the case or label.

• Brand: Choose a premium battery or an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) unit, as they are typically more reliable.

What’s Covered in a Mobile Car Battery Replacement Service?

Here’s what a mobile mechanic does to replace a battery:

• Diagnosis: Battery inspection includes checking for wear or corrosion on the old battery. They’ll perform a battery test to check the reserve capacity. In some cases, they may offer to repair the battery pack. They’ll also test the alternator and starter motor, as these components can cause similar symptoms.

• Selection: Identify the right battery for your car’s size, voltage, and capacity, and facilitate car battery delivery.

• Mobile battery replacement: Disconnect the battery cable set from each battery post. They’ll remove it, clean the battery terminals, insert the new car battery, and reattach each cable to the correct terminal.

• Battery testing: Test the replacement battery to confirm proper power delivery and conduct a final battery inspection.

• Car battery recycling: Send the old battery to a recycling facility for proper disposal.

How Much Should a Car Battery Replacement Cost?

The average cost for a replacement battery can range from $100 to $19,000+, depending on the battery type and labor charges ($50 to $170). Here are the typical prices for a new battery, depending on type:

• Standard flooded battery: $50 to $300 
• Enhanced flooded battery: $50 to $250
• Sealed lead acid battery (SLA): $100 to $300 
• AGM battery: $100 to $400
• Gel cell battery: $100 to $350
• Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH): $1,000 to $6,000
• Electric vehicle battery (lithium-ion battery): $300 to over $19,000

How Long Do Car Batteries Last?

The average lifespan of a fresh battery is between 3 and 5 years. However, it may vary based on your battery type, driving habits, and battery service routine:

• Standard flooded battery: 3 to 5 years
• Enhanced flood battery: 4 to 6 years
• Sealed lead acid battery (SLA): 3 to 5 years
• AGM battery: 3 to 7 years
• Gel cell battery: 5 to 6 years
• Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery: 8 to 10 years
• Electric vehicle battery: 10 to 20 years

6 FAQs on Car Battery Replacement

Here are the answers to some commonly asked battery-related questions: 

1. What Is a Car Battery, and How Does It Work?

A standard automobile battery stores power to start your vehicle and run its electrical system. It converts chemical energy into electrical energy through a reaction between lead plates and sulfuric acid. 

When the vehicle’s battery connects with the starter motor, the electrolyte breaks down into positive hydrogen and negative sulfate ions. This reaction causes electrons to flow from the negative to the positive electrode through an external circuit, generating the electrical energy needed to run your car.

2. What Other Car Troubles Show Similar Signs of a Dying Battery?

The following components can mimic dead car battery symptoms:

• Starter motor: Hearing a single click sound when attempting to start the engine indicates a faulty starter motor, not a dead car battery.

• Alternator: Trouble starting your vehicle or electrical malfunctions, such as dim interior and exterior lights, may suggest a problem with the alternator. 

• Vehicle’s electrical system: Flickering lights or erratic instrument panel behavior might point to an electrical issue, like damaged wiring and a defective fuse.

• Fuel system: If the engine cranks but fails to start, the culprit might be a fuel delivery problem, such as a malfunctioning fuel pump.

3. What Causes a Car Battery to Drain Fast?

Some factors that can drain your battery life include:

• Battery age: Old automotive batteries won’t hold a charge for long, so you’ll often need jumper cables and another vehicle to start your car.

• Extreme temperatures: Heat and cold temperatures can cause the battery to malfunction or work harder, making it drain faster.

• Car accessories: Electrical components like headlights, interior lights, and any other device that runs for extended periods of time can cause a defective battery.

• Faulty alternator: A malfunctioning alternator won’t charge the battery adequately, leading to a faster drain and a failing battery.

• Loose/corroded battery connections: Damaged battery terminals can block power flow, making it hard to start your car and drain your car’s battery.

• Parasitic draws: The vehicle’s electrical system can drain battery life even when the engine is off.

• Limited vehicle use: Not driving daily can prevent the battery from charging fully.

4. How to Maintain Your Car Battery for a Longer Lifespan

Here are some car battery maintenance tips you should know:

• Drive regularly and avoid short trips: Avoid bad driving habits, such as frequent short trips, which prevent the battery from fully recharging.

• Secure the battery: Ensure the battery pack is securely fastened in the battery tray to prevent excessive vibrations, which can lead to internal damage.

• Turn off accessories: When exiting the vehicle, switch off exterior and interior lights and any other electronic devices to extend the battery life.

• Clean each battery terminal: Use a brush and baking soda to remove any corrosion on either battery terminal (and battery cable), which could impede electrical flow.

• Conduct a battery health check: Use a multimeter to read the battery charge. A fresh battery should be around 12.7 volts or higher; below 12.4 volts indicates a potential battery issue.

• Avoid extreme temperatures: Park in shaded areas or garages when possible to shield the vehicle’s battery from excessive heat. Also, consider using insulation during colder months.

• Avoid long periods of no driving: Disconnect the battery or attach a trickle battery charger to the car battery terminals during extended periods of inactivity.

5. What Happens If You Use the Wrong Battery for Your Car?

Using the wrong automotive battery can lead to poor performance or damage to your vehicle‘s electrical system. Always consult a trusted mechanic to replace your battery.

6. How Often Should You Change Your Car Battery?

If you have a standard flooded or lead-acid battery, you should replace it every three to five years. If your old car battery has been in use for more than three years, consider scheduling an annual battery service to ensure it’s in top shape.

This inspection helps spot potential issues before they affect your vehicle’s performance.