When Should You Replace Your Car Battery?

Your car’s battery will eventually die. You cannot be sure when, but it will eventually happen. Your car’s battery’s life span is determined by several factors, including time, heat, and vibration. To get a better understanding of these three factors, let’s dive a little deeper.

Time

Your car’s battery will gradually deteriorate over time until it can no longer provide enough power to start the engine. How long your battery lasts is determined by your usage of your car. Your car’s battery will have less time to fully recharge if you primarily drive short distances. Additionally, if you leave your car parked for a long time, the battery will self-discharge.

Heat

Cooler climates will increase your car’s battery life to five years or more. In warmer climates like ours, the average lifespan of a battery is around three years. Batteries undergo quite a few harsh conditions under the hood where temperatures can reach more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit. To fight off the heat, automakers place the battery in an isolated area or place a heat shield over the battery.

Vibration

Vibration causes your battery to physically break down over time. The internal components begin to wear and break as you drive your vehicle. To help offset the effects of vibrations, batteries are secured by special hardware that prevents them from moving around. Missing or ineffective hold-downs will drastically reduce the life of your car’s battery.

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Bad Battery Warning Signs

Signs of a bad battery include the illumination of the battery warning light, sluggish engine start, dim incandescent headlights, and more. To avoid these problems, ensure that your battery is inspected when you get an oil change. The technicians will make sure that the cable connections are tight and clean. Once your battery reaches three years of age, have it tested annually.

A test will identify if the battery has deteriorated to the point where a replacement is needed. We recommend that you bring your vehicle down to our service center in Bradenton, FL, and let our skilled technicians test and replace your battery if needed. Each of our affordable and reliable services is performed by technicians who know your vehicle inside and out.

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