How To Know When It's Time To Replace A Car Battery

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An automobile relies on a battery to start the engine and to power electronics. The battery also supplies electricity through the adapter to charge your mobile devices. However, a battery might eventually wear out and will need to be replaced. Otherwise, you might find yourself stranded by the side of the road. There are several warning signs that you need a new auto battery.

The Check Battery Indicator

When a battery is defective, it might trigger a check battery indicator light. If this is the case, you'll want to pull your car over by the side of the road and you'll want to have your battery inspected by a professional.

A Battery's Lifespan

Your car battery will eventually wear out. When a battery is not driven for an extended period of time, the battery will eventually discharge. When this happens, the battery might eventually fail. When a battery fully discharges, even if you recharge and restore the battery, you will shorten the lifespan of the battery. But even if you take good care of your battery, it will not last forever.

Heat and Vibrations

If your engine has been running very hot or if your car is vibrating, your car battery might not last as long as you'd like it to. Heat can cause chemical reactions in a battery and cause it to wear out. Your battery will last longer if you live in a colder climate.

Overcharging and Undercharging

Your battery should not be over-charged or under-charged because both actions can lead to your battery wearing out.  Controlling the charging rate is especially a concern for newer batteries that use absorbent glass. Charging issues can sometimes result from electrical problems in your car that you will need to repair or your car will regularly burn through batteries.

Cranking the Engine

Even if the check battery light does not come on, you might be able to determine that there's something wrong with your battery when you're struggling to start your car. If your battery is going, it might be better to purchase a new replacement auto battery.

How to Find a New Battery 

When searching for a new battery, take into consideration what went wrong with your previous battery. For example, your old battery might have been charged and discharged repeatedly. Fortunately, there are some batteries that are more capable of handling charge and discharge cycles and will last longer as a result.


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