When hearing the telltale clicking noise of the ignition, many people immediately blame a dead battery and wonder about car battery replacement cost. However, a car battery nearing the end of its life shows more ominous signs.
If you suspect something is wrong with your car battery, learn to recognize the signs before contacting the maintenance services in Albion, MI.
What Are the Signs My Battery Needs Replacing?
Car batteries have a natural lifespan of 3 to 5 years, although extreme temperatures can shorten the battery life. Regardless of your car battery’s age, there are several signs that your battery needs to be replaced.
Trouble Starting Up
If you haven’t driven your car in a while, it’s not unusual for your car to require a jump-start. However, if you frequently need to jump-start your car, call a tow truck, or your car is often slow to turn on, your battery may need to be replaced.
Dim or Flickering Headlights or Interior Lights
The headlights and interior lights in your car should shine brightly and consistently. If they’re dim or unsteady, it’s likely a failing battery.
Electrical Components
Some parts of your car are powered by an electrical system, like the windows, locks, and the radio. If these components work inconsistently, the battery is often the culprit.
Sulfuric Scent
Car batteries have sulfur inside, but you shouldn’t be able to smell it. Damage to the battery can release the sulfur, causing a terrible smell. Some people notice the smell when sitting inside the car, but others may not notice it until they open the hood.
Don’t ignore the smell; schedule an appointment with our technicians to sniff out the problem.
Corrosion on the Battery
When you pop the hood and look closely at the battery, the positive and negative terminals should appear clean. They are corroded if hidden under a layer of white grit. Mild corrosion can be carefully cleaned at home, but severe corrosion might require replacing the battery.
Bulging Battery
Your battery can sustain damage from extreme heat or cold. You might notice the battery is warped, bulged, or distorted when you lift the hood. This is a sign of permanent damage to the battery and requires a replacement from our repair team.
Battery Warning Light or “Check Engine” Light
When you turn on your car, a light may appear on your dashboard, alerting you to battery problems. (In older vehicles, you may simply see the “Check Engine” light). Since dashboard lights can be vague, head to our Albion, MI repair shop for a diagnostic assessment.
Should I Buy a New Car Battery Myself?
You may have heard that it saves money to buy a battery yourself. However, replacing a battery is more complex than browsing the nearest auto parts store. A shop like ours can determine what type of car battery you need and replace it with ease.
Do I Need a Flooded Battery or AGM Battery?
Lead-acid batteries power non-electric cars. However, there are two major types of car batteries: flooded batteries and AGM batteries.
- A flooded battery is a traditional lead-acid battery. These batteries are the industry standard for cars and trucks but aren’t quite as sturdy and are more vulnerable to failure.
- An absorbent glass mat battery (or AGM) is a newer type of lead-acid battery. They tolerate heat better than flooded batteries and provide more power. It isn’t yet the standard for car batteries and is much more expensive.
If your car has a flooded battery, you can buy either a flooded battery or an AGM battery. However, a car built with an AGM battery should only use an AGM battery, as the AGM’s charging mechanisms are incompatible with a flooded battery.
It’s also critical to buy a correctly-sized battery; even an AGM battery can’t provide enough power to a large truck or SUV if it’s too small. Look through the owner’s manual or talk with our technicians to determine the appropriate battery size for your vehicle.
How Much Does a Car Battery Cost?
The average cost to replace a car battery depends on the type of battery your car uses, available battery brands, and how big the battery is. On average, flooded batteries are the cheapest option, with prices averaging about $100-160. AGM batteries are much pricier, typically costing around $200-300.
Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Can Replace Your Car Battery
If you think your car battery is at the end of its life, Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can help. Book an appointment by calling (517) 436-0433 or filling out our online appointment form. We’ll diagnose and repair your car battery problems so that you can get your car charging and back on the road.
