How to Know If Your Car Battery Needs Replacement Before Summer

Car battery maintenance is often overlooked, resulting in the need for battery replacement. If you are wondering whether you need a car battery replacement, you must be aware of the signs of a failing battery.

This blog provides a brief overview of the signs of a damaged battery, the types of car battery checks to perform to determine whether your battery requires replacement before summer, and how to replace a car battery in summer.

Signs of a Failing Battery

Car batteries must be replaced before you find yourself stranded with a broken-down car. You can be sure of a healthy battery with recommended battery checks. Here are a few of them.

Trouble with Engine Ignition

If you have trouble starting your engine or the engine crank is slower than usual, your battery may not have enough charge. A healthy battery will pass the necessary charge quickly, while delayed ignitions hint towards a dying battery.

Dashboard Indicator

Most modern vehicles have an indicator on the dashboard that signals towards a discharged battery.

When the battery indicator on the dashboard illuminates, consider replacing the car battery to avoid any inconvenience.

Dimming Lights

The car battery powers the headlights, taillights and other electronic accessories, such as the music system and cooling systems.

When your car battery loses its charge, you will notice dimming headlights and taillights. The power windows and locks also operate slower than usual due to a discharged battery.

Visual Inspection

Visual inspection can reveal some signs of battery damage. Overcharging batteries can lead to swollen cases or acid leakage, which may require car battery replacement.

Dust accumulation can also corrode the battery terminals over time. To improve its longevity, you must periodically clean your battery.

Driving Style

If you do not drive your car regularly, your battery might not be able to charge to its full capacity, leading to a discharged battery.

Taking frequent and smaller trips is also troublesome when recharging the battery. Short trips do not allow enough time for the car battery to charge to its fullest potential, which can lead to a drained battery.

How Does Weather Impact Battery Life?

One of the most common reasons for battery failure is weather conditions. While car batteries are typically replaced every three years, harsh weather conditions can reduce their life span.

• Consider the age of your battery. If you last replaced the car battery a couple of years ago, get it inspected by a professional.
• Check the battery's distilled water levels. If they are low, consider refilling it. If they keep dipping frequently, consider battery replacement.
• The dashboard indicator for battery life is a primary sign that you should consider a car battery replacement.

If you notice any of the above signs while conducting a car battery check, consider getting a professional check from a reliable service provider to recommend a battery replacement.

Conclusion

Cars might require battery replacement before summer, as the scorching heat can adversely impact their performance. A damaged battery will fail quickly as temperatures change.

For reliable car battery checks and replacements, consider a trusted battery service partner like AIS Windshield Experts to get custom battery solutions.