Almost every driver has accidentally left car doors open or the lights on after exiting a car, resulting in a car that would not start the next time they tried. Sometimes, all that is needed is for it to be jump-started and then driven long enough for the alternator to recharge the battery. Other times, the car needs a new battery. Here are some tips to determine when it is time for a Car Battery Replacement in Centerville OH.
How to Know if a Battery Should Be Replaced
- How old is the battery? Batteries deteriorate over time and will eventually need replacement. While the life of a car battery depends on several factors, on average they last about four years.
- Has the engine been starting slowly? When a battery has lost a lot of its power, it takes longer for it to activate the starter, which means it takes longer for the car to start.
- Has the vehicle had electrical issues? Have you noticed dim lights, phones charging more slowly, or problems with the radio, touchscreens, or other electrical features? If so, the battery may be losing power and struggling to keep everything running.
- Does the battery look normal? Does a visual inspection of the battery reveal anything unusual like a cracked, misshapen, or corroded case?
- Is there a smell like rotten eggs when you open the hood? Car batteries may smell like sulfur (rotten eggs) if they leak. Leaks can be dangerous, so if this smell is present, it is important to have the battery inspected as soon as possible.
- Is there visible corrosion on the battery connectors? While corrosion on the battery connectors does not necessarily mean a new battery is required, it can impede a battery’s performance. Cleaning the corrosion can help determine whether a new battery is required.
- Is the vehicle’s check engine light showing? Not all vehicles will display a check engine light when a battery is dying, but some will. Of course, this light can mean many other problems, but it is worth having the code checked by an auto repair shop to see if the battery needs to be replaced.
Buying a Replacement Battery
Every vehicle requires a certain size and type of battery, so it is important to know details about the vehicle to ensure the correct Car Battery Replacement in Centerville OH. Contact Centerville Service Center for more information.
