Similar to your phone or laptop battery, your car battery grows weak over years of use. Experts say that a vehicle battery will last anywhere between 3 to 5 years. However, overloading your battery with too many functions will also decrease its lifespan. On the other hand, if your battery is well cared for with regular cleanings, it can last up to 6 years. If you don't know how long you've had your battery, you also lookout for the signs of a weakened battery:
- Trouble Starting Car - If it takes slower for your engine to start, then it means that your car battery is not powerful enough to enable strong starts. You may also find yourself grabbing the jumper cables more often.
- Electrical Accessories Not Working - Besides starting the engine, the battery also supplies power to other parts of your car. These areas include your door locks, wipers, headlights, radio, and your windows. If you start noticing problems with any of those, it means your battery needs to be replaced soon.
- Swollen Battery case - Batteries can swell when they've been overcharged. This happens when your alternator malfunctions, causing an excess buildup of hydrogen gases within the battery. As a result, this will overheat its battery and quickly shorten its lifespan.
- Electrical Dashboard Warning Light On - If you have a new vehicle, your car might signal to you when the battery cannot hold a sufficient charge. Whenever you see this light come on, it would be best to have your battery and other electrical components inspected and tested.
If you need a new vehicle battery, we welcome you to bring your car to our auto repair shop in Victoria, BC. You can count on Prospect Lake Auto Care to get you back on the road in no time.