9 Signs Your Car Battery Needs to Be Replaced

There’s truly no quick and simple answer to this. The average time for a battery to cease providing enough power to the engine can vary, between three to five years. However, there are three main factors that impact car battery life: heat, time and vibration. This means that there are external factors that affect battery life, such as where you live . And, once your car battery stops providing the necessary power to the engine, then it’s time to find a proper replacement. There are some signs of that your battery is failing, and these signs can help you prepare for replacement in time.

Replacement battery costs can vary based on type, more specifically if you need a standard or premium battery. A standard battery can cost up to $120, whereas a premium battery can cost up to $200. When purchasing a battery, it’s important to take into account any special factors, including weather performance. It’s also important to note whether your existing, active warranties cover partial or total costs for batteries. Bringing the warranty to an auto shop and asking your mechanic can help you determine what’s covered.

When your battery starts to go, all of the electrical components of your car will be affected. If your headlights dim while idling and brighten when accelerating, your battery isn’t holding a charge anymore. In addition to checking your battery, have vehicle's charging system, your alternator, tested with a voltmeter to be sure that it won’t be a problem again in the near future.

If your car cranks a few times and sounds reluctant to start, a bad battery could be the culprit . A sluggish start could also happen as a result of bad wiring, a worn starter, or malfunctioning alternator, so it’s important to check each of these when you take a look at your battery.

Remember that your battery is responsible for the electrical components of your car, including the interior and dashboard lights. If you notice any flickering, be sure to check your battery before you end up stranded. Similar to dimming headlights, these flickering lights are a sure indication of a failing car battery.

Rolling your windows up and down while the engine is on may be easy, but to put your battery to the test, try rolling them up or down when the engine is off. If they are slow to respond, your battery is struggling to power them properly. Physical resistance like a blockage could also be the culprit, so be sure to look for additional signs.

Pop the hood of the vehicle and take a look at the top of the battery. That powdery white or blue substance at the connection points is called corrosion and while some is okay, excessive corrosion can negatively affect the battery’s performance and lifespan. Corrosion is caused by a chemical reaction between the gasses and metals under the hood. The fix could be as simple as carefully cleaning the corrosion off, but you should still have the battery checked by a professional in case the problem is more serious like an undercharging system.

The length of your battery life can be affected by weather, driving habits, trip length, and the type of car you drive, but the average vehicle battery has a lifespan of four years. Even if you are one of the fortunate car owners who will get many more years out of their batteries, start incorporating a battery check into your regular car maintenance schedule after four years.

Testing your battery at every oil change can help you avoid any surprises, like being stranded in a parking lot. Even between oil changes, you can request a free battery test at many automotive parts stores.

When it’s time to replace your battery, find a shop near you that accepts the Synchrony Car Care^TM credit card and take advantage of promotional financing on purchases of $199 or more.