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Here are indications that it’s time to look for car battery replacements:
The most obvious symptom is that the car won’t start. It means the battery doesn’t have enough power to start the engine.
Sometimes, the vehicle may even start and then die immediately without idling. Regardless, you’ll need to do a battery test at a repair shop.
Pro Tip: Some auto shops offer free battery testing services or do battery tests during an oil change. You could also request a battery service when changing tires.
Typically, cars may start slowly in winter, depending on the battery’s cold cranking amps. The more cold cranking amps it has, the longer it’ll last and the smoother it’ll run in cold conditions.
But when your car starts slowly at normal temperatures, it means your battery is failing. You may even notice a strange sound just before it finally dies. In this case, you may need a battery pack replacement.
The dashboard warning lights are your car’s way of telling you what’s wrong. And when it comes to battery issues, there are two relevant warning lights:
So, if you see any of these two signs, it’s time to have the battery checked.
Dim headlights or issues with other electrical components are telltale signs of battery failure. It means that the battery cannot deliver enough power to smoothly run these electric systems.
So, diminished electrical outputs indicate the battery is losing charge or starting to fail. You can either recharge the battery or replace it if it’s faulty.
If you notice a bloated battery during a visual inspection, it’s time to get it checked.
A car battery swells due to overcharging, which can happen when the alternator has a faulty voltage regulator.
In such cases, fixing the battery is not recommended as it may not work properly anyway. Your best bet is a replacement battery.
Auto batteries don’t usually have a specific smell. So, if you notice a rotten egg smell, it means the battery has vented gas and needs to be replaced immediately.
Moreover, if it’s leaking battery acid, it could harm the engine. If that’s the case, it’s definitely time for a new battery.
Sometimes, you may not experience any battery issues until it flat-out fails. This can be troublesome, especially if your car stops in remote areas far from auto repair or towing service providers.
What can you do about that?
Have a mechanic check your battery at the four-year mark or during regular maintenance. And if the old battery is at the end of its charge cycle, request a battery service. You could even buy a replacement battery yourself from a car dealership or auto parts store.
It’s best to address battery issues as soon as possible.
Yes, a dead battery can leave you stranded while waiting for roadside assistance. But that’s not the worst part.
If your battery symptoms comprise a rotten smell or swelling, it could be leaking battery acid or may even explode — damaging the engine.
So, it’s important to check your car battery and seek a battery replacement service to get your vehicle back to its original capacity.
Generally, battery replacement costs between $118 to $216, which mostly accounts for battery prices rather than repair labor costs. Moreover, the battery prices vary based on the battery size, type, output, and vehicle type.
Here are more specific examples:
Here are the answers to four frequently asked questions on car battery replacements:
A car battery stores and supplies power to start the car and keep it going. It also provides energy to other electrical components, like the headlights, music system, and radio.
But the battery’s original capacity will wear out over time, reducing the performance and functionality of the car.
So, replacing it with the right battery will keep the car running at optimal performance.
Auto batteries are made to last for around 3 to 5 years. But being constantly on the road can affect its lifespan.
Battery life can further vary based on factors like:
Moreover, if your alternator fails, you need to know the battery’s reserve capacity. The reserve capacity will help you determine how long the battery will supply power to essential elements, like ignition and headlights, before failing.
Car batteries come with varied power and size settings to suit different automotive vehicles.
The right battery needs to match the car manufacturer’s specifications for ideal performance. Moreover, the wrong one will reduce car performance and battery life.
Most older models use a standard flooded battery, but many new car models use lithium-ion and Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) quality batteries to meet greater electrical demands. Additionally, a regular car battery isn’t the same as an RV battery, which is a deep-cycle battery.
So, keep the following aspects in mind when choosing a replacement battery:
You need either a battery backup, a battery charger, or jumper cables to revive a dead battery.
But if it’s an old battery that’s too far gone, you can replace it using the following steps:
Your new battery should kick in immediately. But if it doesn’t, seek out professional help from a repair shop or mobile mechanic.
Note: While it’s not impossible to replace the battery yourself, it’s best to call a professional to complete the job perfectly.