Generally, batteries last between three and five years. Changing the battery in your vehicle at the right time is essential to maintaining the performance of your car.
Before beginning, park on a flat, dry surface and engage the parking brake. Turn off the ignition and allow the engine to cool down. Put on safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from battery acid and other contaminants. Contact Cell Phone Repair Colorado Springs for more details.
Symptoms of a Failing Battery
Getting stranded with a dead battery is not something any of us want to experience. That’s why it’s important to be able to spot the signs that your battery is going bad so you can take action before you find yourself stuck on the side of the road. Here are some of the most common signs that your battery is on its last legs:
1. Slow Engine Start
If you notice your car cranking slower than usual when you turn the ignition, it’s a sign that your battery isn’t able to provide the electrical power needed to start your engine. This also means that your other electrical accessories will work more slowly, including things like the radio, headlights and power windows.
2. Swelling Battery Case
If your battery is showing signs of swell or bulge, it’s time to replace it. A swollen battery will produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which has a distinct odor that’s described as a mix between rotten eggs and sewer water. The presence of this gas is a clear indication that the battery is no longer in good working order and should be replaced immediately.
3. Leaking Battery Acid
If you open up your battery and notice a thick, greenish liquid leaking from the sides or top of the case, it’s time to replace the battery. These leaks are a result of the chemical reagents that your battery contains being released from their containers. These chemicals are either corrosive or poisonous, making them a potential safety hazard if not quickly dealt with.
4. Low Voltage
When a battery is low in voltage, it’s no longer able to hold a charge and must be replaced right away. You can check your battery’s voltage by hooking up a multimeter to the positive and negative terminals of the battery and checking the reading. You can expect a fully charged battery to have a voltage of around 12.6 volts, although some batteries, such as lithium-ion ones, are much higher.
While it’s true that your battery doesn’t last forever, it’s also true that you can extend the life of a standard lead-based battery by properly maintaining it. This includes cleaning the tray, battery posts and hardware from corrosion, using an automobile-safe lubricant and testing it regularly for proper functioning.
Battery Corrosion
Car batteries contain a mix of water and acid which can leak. If this occurs the terminals of the battery can become corroded. Corrosion of the battery terminals can result in an inability to start your car, power windows and electrical systems failing to work as well, or the need for a jump. If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be time to get a new battery.
Battery terminal corrosion is a common problem that many drivers experience, especially in the summer. The sweltering heat can cause the water in your battery to evaporate, which can lead to a shorted lifespan and decreased performance of your vehicle.
You can also tell when your battery is deteriorating by its smell. If you notice an unpleasant sulfuric acid odor coming from under the hood, it could be a sign that your battery is dying and needs to be replaced.
Another sign that your battery is dying is when it takes longer than normal to turn over the engine. You may also notice that your headlights are dimmer than usual, or that your power windows and other electrical features are slower to work than they should be.
You can fix a battery that has corroded terminals fairly easily. First, you will need to remove the battery from the battery holder. This can be done by using a screwdriver to lift up the terminals. They are held in place by a couple of grooves on the battery holder, so they should come out relatively easy. Once you have the terminals removed, they can be cleaned with baking soda and a cotton swab.
Battery Charging Issues
If you’re not getting a charge from your battery or the electrical components in your car are working slower than usual, it’s likely that your battery isn’t producing enough power. If this is the case, it’s time to replace your battery.
Generally speaking, your battery should last about three years, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the weather and driving habits. For example, if you live in an area with hot or humid climate, your battery may wear out more quickly than one from a colder region.
Another factor that can shorten your battery’s lifespan is if you often drive your vehicle for short trips or commutes. Because your car’s battery has to work harder in these situations, it can burn out sooner.
Most of the time, the battery-shaped warning light on your dashboard will indicate that it’s time to replace your car’s battery. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that the battery can wear out for other reasons, including overcharging or exposure to high temperatures.
Before you begin removing your old battery, locate the positive and negative terminals. The positive terminal is usually covered with red plastic and has a cable that’s attached to it, while the negative battery post is black and will have a minus sign (-) near it. Always disconnect the negative terminal first to prevent an accidental electrical short circuit.
Next, remove any clamps that hold the battery in place. Once the negative terminal is disconnected, it’s safe to lift the battery out and set it aside on a flat, stable surface. Be careful when handling a car battery, as it contains corrosive battery acid. If you’re unsure how to lift the battery safely, ask a friend for help.
When you’re ready to install the new battery, locate the proper size. Refer to your owner’s manual if you’re not sure what the spec is. Then, carefully connect the new battery, taking care not to touch any of the metal parts of the connections. Finally, reconnect the negative cable and re-install any clamps that were removed.
Battery Replacement
Car batteries typically last three to five years, and recognizing when yours is getting old can prevent you from becoming stranded by an unexpected breakdown. However, it can be challenging to determine when your battery is beginning to fail due to factors like age and temperature, so it’s important to know the warning signs to look for and how to replace your car battery correctly.
If you notice that your engine takes longer than usual to start, or your battery has trouble maintaining a charge, it’s likely time for a replacement. You may also begin to notice that your vehicle’s headlights appear dim, especially at idle, or that you hear clicking noises when turning the key in the ignition (or pressing the button on push-button starter systems).
Another sign that your battery is dying is a rotten egg smell, which is caused by sulfuric acid that is emitted as the battery fails. The sulfuric acid can damage your vehicle and create a fire hazard, so it’s important to get the battery replaced as soon as you begin noticing this symptom.
Before you begin working on your battery, make sure that it’s parked on a flat surface and turned off. It’s also a good idea to let the battery and the vehicle cool down so that you don’t accidentally spark a short circuit. Additionally, wear protective gear such as safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from potential acid spills or debris.
To begin the battery replacement process, first locate and remove the terminals from the old battery. You will need a pair of wire brushes to clean off any corrosion on the terminals before installing your new battery. Afterward, apply terminal grease to help prevent future corrosion and secure your new battery in its bracket, making sure that it aligns correctly with both the positive and negative cables. Once you’re finished, give the battery a slight wiggle to see if it shifts; if it does, ensure that all clamps and retaining mechanisms are tightened.
While you can certainly replace your own car battery, it’s usually a job best left to a trained technician. Improper handling of the battery can cause damage to electrical components or lead to a fire, and installing the wrong type of battery can even void your warranty.
