When you think about the parts that are essential to ensuring that your vehicle runs smoothly, the importance of the car battery is often forgotten. Having a healthy car battery, however, is as important as just about any other part in your vehicle. Without it, your vehicle will cease to operate.
In order to help ensure that you keep your battery in good working condition at all times, here’s a look at three things that you should know about car batteries.
How Long Does a Typical Car Battery Last?
One of the most important things that car owners want to know about their batteries is how long they will last. For the typical vehicle, a battery will last anywhere between three and five years. There are a variety of different factors, however, that could both shorten and prolong that time period. Driving habits, exposure to extreme weather, and maintenance frequency all play a role in how long car batteries last.
What Are Some Warning Signs of a Bad Battery?
Having your car battery die out of nowhere can be incredibly frustrating and inconvenient if you don’t see it coming. Fortunately, there are a few signs that you can look for to raise the likelihood that you will know sooner about the potential of a dead battery. Some of the more common signs of a car battery in need of replacement include:
- Check Engine Light Coming On
- Vehicle is Slow to Start
- Battery Case Has Swelled or Become Bloated
- Smell of Rotten Eggs
You should be especially conscious of these signs if your vehicle’s battery is over three years old.
How Often Should You Have Your Vehicle’s Battery Inspected?
In general, most mechanics and battery experts will tell you that you should have your battery inspected on an annual basis after it has been used for three years. As has been mentioned, the typical battery life is anywhere from three to five years. Having your car batteries inspected every year, especially after the three-year mark, will help ensure that you don’t end up with a dead battery in an inconvenient situation.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, your vehicle’s battery is something that deserves as much attention as any other part in your car. Being conscious of the warning signs of a faulty battery is important, as is ensuring that you get your battery checked at least once a year. This is typically something that you can do when having your vehicle inspected.
If your vehicle does happen to be experiencing any of the warning signs listed, it is a good idea to have it checked out by experienced auto battery experts. They will be able to provide advice about the best plan of action moving forward while also educating you about which battery is the best option for your vehicle. For more information visit website domain. You can also connect with them on Google+ for more updates.