The reaction turns into electrical energy that gets the starter motor running and the engine cranking. For most Manitobans who are driving in winter conditions for half the year, that life span may be slightly shorter. At the three year mark, start paying attention to how your vehicle is running. Get your mechanic to check your battery next time your vehicle is in for regular maintenance. Pay attention to the way your vehicle reacts when it starts as well. Here are seven telltale signs that your car battery is dying:.
Over time, the components inside your battery will wear out and become less effective. A slow start is usually the last gasp before a battery kicks the bucket. The battery powers all of the electronics in your vehicle, from your lights to your radio to your dashboard computer.
If the battery is losing its charge it will have a harder time running these things at full power. The more things you plug into your car while driving — like your phone charger — the faster your battery will die.
In most vehicles, the check engine light can mean just about anything and it may come on when your battery is running out of juice.
If not, you should get it replaced. In a limited number of cars, the vehicle design makes a factory replacement battery the only possible option. The cold cranking amps rating, for example CCA, is an industry standard measure of how much electrical power a battery can provide at zero degrees Fahrenheit.
Never confuse this rating with "cranking amps" CA , a rating based on an easier test that produces inflated numbers. Some import automakers state battery power requirements using an amp-hour rating, for example 78 Ah.
This rating is based on the number of minutes a battery can provide a specified level of electrical current, typically 20 amperes. To avoid electrical system problems and a visit to the repair shop, never install a battery with a CCA or Ah rating that is lower than what the vehicle manufacturer recommends. A higher-rated battery will work if it fits properly, but is usually unnecessary and may have a shorter service life in hot climates.
When your car needs a new battery, always purchase one from a high-volume seller with fresh stock. You do not want a battery that has already lost a good portion of its service life sitting on a shelf.
Also, look for a battery with an extended full-replacement warranty. Quality batteries offer free replacement for three or more years if there is a problem within that period.
A warranty that enters a pro-rated replacement period sooner will require a partial payment to replace the battery once the full-coverage term expires.
Use AAA's auto repair shop locator to find information on Approved Auto Repair centers near you that meet AAA's high standards for technician training and certification, insurance coverage, customer satisfaction and more. AAA regularly inspects every. Approved Auto Repair facility and surveys customers to ensure ongoing quality performance. Share this site! By AAA Automotive. Search More Facilities. How long do car batteries last? Car batteries have a finite lifespan Batteries gradually deteriorate until they can no longer provide enough power to start an engine.
Where you live affects your car battery Heat facilitates the chemical reaction car batteries use to generate electricity, but it also increases the rate of battery degradation. Hold down hardware prevents excessive vibration Vibration causes internal battery parts to break down. Malfunctioning charging system reduces car battery life While less common than the aforementioned factors, a malfunctioning charging system will also reduce battery life.
Car batteries are not one-size-fits-all You must consider the battery type, physical size, terminal configuration, and cold cranking amps CCA or amp-hour Ah rating to ensure you get a car battery that properly fits and functions for your make and model vehicle.
If the problem is not the vehicle battery, there might be some hidden element drawing too much power. It can also indicate problems with the alternator, and the best way to figure this out is to have your mechanic perform a battery test.
The lead acid battery contains sulfuric acid, so a damaged or leaking car battery can emit an unpleasant smell of rotten eggs that comes from the acid.
If this happens, get your battery checked ASAP. Corrosion on the vehicle battery terminals is common with battery aging but can lead to starting issues and terminal failure. It can also indicate problems with the charging system. However, exposure to extreme temperature changes can cause the battery casing to bloat, swell and crack. While summer heat can evaporate the battery fluid, winter cold weather slows down its internal chemical reaction. As the vehicle battery ages, its ability to adapt to seasonal changes reduces.
If your battery is nearing the 3-year mark, it would be within the natural range for the car battery life to start deteriorating. However, you probably have some other questions, right? Batteries come in different physical sizes.
Make sure a new battery is the correct size, fits securely in mountings, and connects to terminals properly. The standard vehicle with an internal combustion engine ICE uses regular flooded lead acid batteries. A car with higher power needs, like those with engine stop-start systems or one that has lots of electronics, often uses the AGM battery or an Enhanced Flooded Battery EFB.
An electric motor powers an electric car instead of an ICE, so the electric vehicle often uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with longer battery life. Replacing a battery with the same group number as the OEM battery ensures it will fit correctly with no terminal issues.
It shows how well a vehicle battery can start the engine in frigid conditions. The higher the CCA rating, the easier it is to crank the engine. Note : Never install a battery with a lower CCA rating than recommended by the car manufacturer — it might not provide enough power to run everything your car needs.
A battery replacement varies based on vehicle make and model, location and battery supplier. Better to be safe than deal with a dead battery situation later on! RepairSmith is a convenient mobile vehicle repair and maintenance solution that offers these benefits:. For an accurate estimate of any battery-related repair and maintenance costs, fill this online form.
Pay attention to it and drive regularly to keep it charged. And if you do face any battery issues, you can always rely on RepairSmith for help.
Gel and AGM batteries: These are dry cell lead acid batteries. A well-maintained gel battery or AGM battery can average 7 years.
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