How can you tell if car battery needs replacing?
The average car battery will last for about 3-5 years, and the reliability starts dropping after about 4 years into its lifespan. Just like a battery in a cell phone, it degrades and becomes less effective with each cycle of charging. So, knowing how can you tell if car battery needs replacing may reduce the chances of a breakdown, especially during the hot summer.
1. Difficulty Starting the Engine
This is usually apparent when your car fails to start or takes some time to do so, especially when the weather is extremely hot. In such conditions, the processes of oxidation and reduction of the active materials inside the car battery electrode drop, and its capability of delivering the required power output decreases.
2. Dimming Lights
In this situation, the headlights or the interior lights become less bright when the engine is idling and become bright again as soon as you step on the throttle. This is indicative of the battery not charging as it should. It happens because, in the idle state, the voltage of the battery is low which shows that it is not able to supply constant power.
3. Electrical Issues
Issues with the power windows, door locks, or any electricity-controlled systems always indicate that there is not enough battery power. Today’s cars contain a lot of electronics, and when battery voltage drops, it directly impacts the behavior of these systems. For instance, you may notice slower operation of power windows, a faulty door lock, or other complications with features like a radio or a car’s navigation system.
It is very important that you replace your car battery as soon as it starts developing issues. If it completely fails, you will be extremely inconvenienced, especially if you are driving in summer. Heat also exerts considerable stress on the batteries, thus causing unscheduled failure and shortening the battery’s life duration. Therefore it helps to check the battery frequently and understand how can you tell if car battery needs replacing.
Wondering how can you tell if car battery needs replacing? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil’s Service for more information about car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and the surrounding area.
The average car battery will last for about 3-5 years, and the reliability starts dropping after about 4 years into its lifespan. Just like a battery in a cell phone, it degrades and becomes less effective with each cycle of charging. So, knowing how can you tell if car battery needs replacing may reduce the chances of a breakdown, especially during the hot summer.
1. Difficulty Starting the Engine
This is usually apparent when your car fails to start or takes some time to do so, especially when the weather is extremely hot. In such conditions, the processes of oxidation and reduction of the active materials inside the car battery electrode drop, and its capability of delivering the required power output decreases.
2. Dimming Lights
In this situation, the headlights or the interior lights become less bright when the engine is idling and become bright again as soon as you step on the throttle. This is indicative of the battery not charging as it should. It happens because, in the idle state, the voltage of the battery is low which shows that it is not able to supply constant power.
3. Electrical Issues
Issues with the power windows, door locks, or any electricity-controlled systems always indicate that there is not enough battery power. Today’s cars contain a lot of electronics, and when battery voltage drops, it directly impacts the behavior of these systems. For instance, you may notice slower operation of power windows, a faulty door lock, or other complications with features like a radio or a car’s navigation system.
It is very important that you replace your car battery as soon as it starts developing issues. If it completely fails, you will be extremely inconvenienced, especially if you are driving in summer. Heat also exerts considerable stress on the batteries, thus causing unscheduled failure and shortening the battery’s life duration. Therefore it helps to check the battery frequently and understand how can you tell if car battery needs replacing.
Wondering how can you tell if car battery needs replacing? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil’s Service for more information about car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and the surrounding area.
