4 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Car Battery

We rely on many different car components every day without thinking about them. Your car battery is one of the most important of these components. Without a working battery, nothing else in your car can work. But it’s not always easy to check the life of your battery. Unless you drive an EV, there is no visual display to show your battery charge like on your smartphone. So how can you tell when it might be time to replace your car battery? Luckily, there are some ways to keep tabs on the life and health of your battery.

Signs You Need a Car Battery Replacement

Dashboard Light Is On

The most obvious sign that you need a car battery replacement is that your battery light comes on when you start your car. Most modern cars will have a warning light to indicate when the battery is running low on power. When this light stays on for a prolonged time, it’s a definite sign that you need to replace it. But other battery health tips are not so obvious. Here are some more subtle ways you can monitor your car battery.

Car Struggles to Start

Another surefire sign that something is off with your car is ignition troubles. If your car is struggling to start, it may very well be a sign of battery troubles. Other potential problems could cause this, such as your car overheating, starter malfunction, or alternator troubles.  But if your car won’t start up fully, the lights flicker, or you hear a cranking noise when starting, it’s a very likely sign of an old battery. You should look into replacing your car battery as soon as possible.

High Temperatures

Monitoring your car during the peak summer months is very important. High temperatures can cause several complications, including potential battery damage. High heat can cause water in your battery’s fluids to evaporate. This leads to battery corrosion, which can severely reduce the life of your battery. If your car has been left out in the sun a lot on hot days, it could mean your battery is being damaged. You may not notice the effects right away, so it never hurts to get your battery tested. You can also combat this problem by keeping your car out of direct sunlight when you can. Park in the shade if possible, or use a garage whenever available.

Car Isn’t Being Used Frequently

It may sound counterintuitive, but if you don’t drive your car often enough, you could damage your battery. Car batteries are partially regenerative, meaning they recharge while you drive. If you don’t touch your car for extended periods, it won’t recharge and can wear down faster than normal. Hot weather can exacerbate this problem, so be mindful of your battery if you are traveling without your car in the summer. If you are traveling without your car for an extended period, consider having a friend or relative move your car occasionally to keep it from being too inactive.

Car Battery Replacement Near Me in New Jersey

Do you need help testing or replacing a car battery? Wayne Ford offers battery replacement services as well as complementary battery tests. The health of your car battery is incredibly important, and at Wayne Ford, we want to help you as much as possible. Located in Wayne, New Jersey, our technicians have unmatched knowledge and familiarity with all Ford vehicles. Visit our website to schedule your battery service today.