When car battery should be replaced?
There are few events in life more frustrating than getting into your car to drive to an important appointment – and finding that the car won’t start due to a dead battery. This frustration can be avoided with frequent and timely car battery replacement, but knowing when car battery should be replaced can be tricky for new car owners. Here are some helpful tips that will help you avoid getting stranded:
How Old Is Your Battery?
Car batteries usually last from three to five years. If it’s been a few years since your last car battery replacement, it means you’re likely due for a new one.
Watch For A Power Struggle
If your engine struggles to start and has a hard time turning over – particularly on cold mornings – that is another telltale sign that your battery is nearing the end of its life. Dimming headlights and slower-than-usual power windows, locks, and wipers are another important sign of a battery that may soon need replacing.
Check the Dashboard Lights
Most modern cars also have a dashboard indicator light to warn drivers that it’s time for a car battery replacement. You can also use a multimeter – available at any auto parts store – to check your battery’s voltage. A healthy car battery should have a resting voltage of 12.6 volts while the engine is off.
Beware of Leaks or Swelling
Some more urgent signs you may encounter when car battery should be replaced are an unpleasant smell of sulfuric acid or a bulging or swelling of the battery case. Leaking battery acid or a ruptured battery cell can damage your car and could potentially cause an engine fire. If you see either of these signs, don’t hesitate – tow your car to the nearest mechanic as soon as you can for a car battery replacement.
Wondering when car battery should be replaced? 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.
When car battery should be replaced? Ask your auto repair expert at Phil’s Service for more information about a car battery replacement.
There are few events in life more frustrating than getting into your car to drive to an important appointment – and finding that the car won’t start due to a dead battery. This frustration can be avoided with frequent and timely car battery replacement, but knowing when car battery should be replaced can be tricky for new car owners. Here are some helpful tips that will help you avoid getting stranded:
How Old Is Your Battery?
Car batteries usually last from three to five years. If it’s been a few years since your last car battery replacement, it means you’re likely due for a new one.
Watch For A Power Struggle
If your engine struggles to start and has a hard time turning over – particularly on cold mornings – that is another telltale sign that your battery is nearing the end of its life. Dimming headlights and slower-than-usual power windows, locks, and wipers are another important sign of a battery that may soon need replacing.
Check the Dashboard Lights
Most modern cars also have a dashboard indicator light to warn drivers that it’s time for a car battery replacement. You can also use a multimeter – available at any auto parts store – to check your battery’s voltage. A healthy car battery should have a resting voltage of 12.6 volts while the engine is off.
Beware of Leaks or Swelling
Some more urgent signs you may encounter when car battery should be replaced are an unpleasant smell of sulfuric acid or a bulging or swelling of the battery case. Leaking battery acid or a ruptured battery cell can damage your car and could potentially cause an engine fire. If you see either of these signs, don’t hesitate – tow your car to the nearest mechanic as soon as you can for a car battery replacement.
Wondering when car battery should be replaced? 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.
