The average car battery life is about 3 to 6 years, but certain driving behaviors and climates can make it challenging to keep your battery operating. A skilled battery service technician at Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can investigate your battery issues and install an alternate battery if needed. Schedule your appointment today.
How Often Should Car Batteries Be Replaced?
Car batteries don’t require regular tune-ups, unlike other parts of your car like your engine or brakes. Instead, the entire battery is replaced when it can no longer maintain a charge.
The average lifespan of a car battery depends on what vehicle you drive and the climate you live in. The batteries of electric vehicles are expected to last between 10 and 15 years in temperate climates.
On the other hand, batteries in gas or diesel vehicles have an average service life of 3 to 6 years. Extremely hot or cold temperatures will also reduce your battery’s life. If your car is several years old, contact Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for battery testing.
Battery Services
The average auto repair shop can run diagnostics on your battery and its associated electrical components. They can also replace car batteries, whether your battery is dead or displays warning signs that its lifespan is close to finished.
Your battery service may include:
- Battery testing
- Battery replacement services
- Cable repair
- Battery installation
Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is more than just the average repair shop. Contact us to receive the most dependable auto services in Albion, MI.
Telltale Signs Your Battery Needs Servicing
All batteries naturally wear down with age. It’s also possible that a component in your car is malfunctioning, putting excessive electrical demands on your battery and draining it. Bring your vehicle to Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for an assessment.
Clicking Noise When Turning the Car On
A clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition means that the battery has insufficient power to start the engine. It’s often incorrectly referred to as a “dead battery” and is possibly the most common problem.
This can be a sign of underuse, a faulty battery charger, or another problem draining the battery when it shouldn’t. Jump-starting the car will buy you additional time to drive it to our service shop.
Car Not Turning On At All
A truly dead car battery won’t have the power to turn on any car parts, whether the radio, headlights, or dashboard lights. The car won’t turn on even if it’s jump-started because it has no power. This is called a “deep discharge,” which can leave your battery permanently non-operational if it happens too often.
Flickering or Dimming Headlights or Radio
Your car headlights and radio require less battery power than the engine, but once the battery is reaching the end of its life, the headlights and radio will no longer be as bright as they once were. Bring your car to Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a replacement battery as soon as possible.
Corrosion on the Battery Terminals or Tray
Batteries contain acid, which reacts to the metal surfaces of the battery terminals and tray. Over time, this will cause visible buildup on the positive terminal, negative terminal, or on the battery tray itself. While this can sometimes be cleaned off, corrosion can cause significant damage, potentially requiring replacement battery posts or trays. Our auto technicians at Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can determine if any parts need replacement.
Loose Battery Connectors
The battery connectors in your car can loosen with time, causing the car to start inconsistently. If the positive cable or the negative cable seems slack, call us, and we can tighten them.
Insufficient Battery Fluid
Battery fluid is what provides power to your vehicle. Too-low battery fluid means the battery can’t produce enough power, eventually leading to a dead battery. An auto service shop can top up the battery fluid, keeping your battery alive.
Oversized or Swollen Battery
Extreme temperatures can cause your battery to swell past its normal size, often marked on the battery tray. Once the battery has swollen, its lifespan is permanently reduced. Get in touch with us for help installing an alternate battery.
Bad Smell
A new battery in good condition won’t have any kind of smell. The trademark “rotten egg” smell means that acid is leaking out of your battery and is a sign of imminent battery failure. Visit a battery service technician at Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a replacement.
Battery or “Check Engine” Light
The battery light on your dashboard is often a sign of low battery life. It’s also possible for a bad battery to trigger the “Check Engine” light, even if your engine is fine. Our comprehensive battery service will evaluate the state of your battery, determining precisely what triggered the battery light.
Schedule Your Battery Replacement Today
Battery issues can be some of the most frustrating car problems. Make an appointment with Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram using our online form, or give us a call at (517) 459-6023. We’ll fix up your car and get you back on the road.
