Maple Valley Auto Repair

Automotive professionals generally agree a car's battery should be replaced every three or so years. Beyond that length of time, batteries become increasingly unreliable and prone to dysfunction. In some cases, however, a car may need a replacement sooner than the standard three year mark.

Continue reading to learn the signs a car's battery needs to be replaced and steps you can take to prevent premature deterioration.

Signs Your Car's Battery Is Nearing the End of Its Lifespan

1. Suboptimal functioning. A good time to check for this is right after you start your car. Start your car and turn on your headlights. Are they dim? When you rev the engine, do the lights become brighter? This is a sign your car's battery is not able to sufficiently support your car's power demands.
2. Your car is new. Newer cars tend to have more features which require the power of the car's battery in order to function. Due to this increased demand, newer cars tend to put more strain on the battery by virtue of their basic functioning. As a result, drivers of such models may need their batteries replaced sooner rather than later.
3. You can't remember the last time you replaced it. It's always better to err on the side of caution. If you're uncertain whether or not your car's battery is still functioning sufficiently, have a professional take a look for you. It's better to be proactive, lest you end up dealing with a dead battery and a car that won't start!

Car Battery Care and Maintenance

1. Don't keep the lights or air conditioner on when your car is off. Or do so as minimally as possible, as this will drain the battery.
2. Service your car frequently. This is one of the simplest and most effective ways of extending the lifespan of your car's battery. It may sound like a ploy to get you to spend more money on a vehicle that already costs plenty, but regular maintenance allows the car—particularly the car's engine—to function as efficiently and optimally as possible. In turn, this prevents unnecessary strain on the battery and vehicle as a whole.

If you need your car battery checked or replaced, be sure to bring your vehicle into Rainier Automotive today!