Tips to Install a New Battery in Car

Batteries are an integral power component of your car. They do everything from revving up your car’s engine to supporting its interior lighting while the engine is off. However, car batteries have a fixed lifespan and require careful replacement once they die. To know the early signs of battery failure is an advice that cannot be emphasised on enough. Let’s look at some useful tips associated with the installation of a new car battery.

When Should You Replace Your Car Battery?

Depending upon the climate and usage patterns, car batteries usually have a lifespan of three to five years following which you will need a new car battery. But, there’s nothing worse than being stranded with a dead car battery in the most inconvenient of places (read in the middle of a busy road with a line of blaring automobiles behind).Thankfully, your car’s battery will let you know when it’s breathing its last. But, to get those hints, you need to be aware of them. If you wish to avoid being stuck with a dead battery accidentally, run regular checks on aged batteries. The most common indicators of a dead or weak car battery are:

• Dim or Flickering Headlights

A dying car battery will not be able to power your vehicle’s electrical components given that the battery is the powerhouse of the vehicle. Hence, watch out for dimming headlights or even interior lights. Because, not only are these major safety hazards but you may also need to get a new car battery.

• Slow-Cranking Engine

Every driver is accustomed to the normal sounds his vehicle makes, especially at the time of ignition. Hence, if you notice that your car’s engine is cranking slower than usual when you turn in the key for ignition, it may be a sign that your battery is nearing its death.

• Clicking Sound

When you turn in the key for ignition, a current passes from your car’s battery to the starter solenoid to start the engine. A dying battery will find it difficult to perform this function. As a result, the current delivered to the solenoid will be weaker leading to a clicking sound. Hence, a clicking sound is a symptom of a failing battery.

• Corrosion Stains on the Terminals

If you find that your car’s engine is sluggish in performance, pop up the hood and do some battery inspection. If you find a whitish or bluish film on the battery’s terminals, it is due to corrosion (either your battery is giving off acidic fumes or the battery acid is leaking). Sulphate corrosion is often responsible for preventing your battery from keeping or delivering a charge. Though you may be able to see improved performance by cleaning the terminals, most experts advice on getting a new car battery as it is often just a short-term fix.

• Swollen Battery Case

This is a pretty obvious and visible damage. Since a battery is basically a chemical reaction in a box, it is possible that things go downhill as is often the case with chemical reactions. The sides of the battery can become swollen due to extreme alterations in temperature. The alternate heat and cold exposure may cause the battery to swell, resulting in an “electrically dead” battery. In such cases, you will have to get a new car battery.

If you notice any of the aforementioned, have your battery checked professionally and replaced immediately. Prolonged usage of a weak car battery might result in permanent damage to your car.

What if it’s a False Alarm?

Challenging as it is to install a new car battery, you want to be 100% sure before you jump right into the process of battery replacement. Hence, it’s equally important to be aware of false alarms. For example – In some cases, it could be the failing alternator that is at the root of the problem and not the car’s battery.

To determine whether or not your battery requires replacement, rule out the possibility of an alternator failure. To do so, try driving for 30 minutes straight so that the battery has a chance to recharge completely, and then monitor the alternator using a voltmeter. If the voltage rating ranges between 13.8 V and 14.2 V, you need not look for a new car battery installation.

Moreover, also get your battery’s terminals checked to ensure they are connected properly. A battery with loose terminals also resembles a weak battery and in such cases, simply tightening the terminals can solve the problem.

Professional Car Battery Installation

Professionals know exactly what is right for your car. They check the condition of your existing car battery and accurately determine if it needs replacement. At AIS Windshield Experts, our professionals use a variety of electrical and manual methods to check the strength of your car’s battery. This means you will not risk wasting away a perfectly good battery because of some other fault in your vehicle.

Our certified and experienced professionals observe the highest safety standards during car battery installation. At AIS Windshield Experts, we sell Exide and Amaron batteries suited for almost all leading car models. In case you do not have the time to visit our service centres, we will have our experts deliver car battery installation services at your doorstep. So, get in touch today!