Without a car battery, starting your vehicle would be an impossible feat to accomplish. Technically speaking, you could still start it by hand like how things were done in the distant past, but one could hardly call that convenient. It’s also the unit of your car that powers the lights, the radio, and all the other electronics inside of it. As a responsible car owner, it’s a good idea to learn the basic fundamentals of car batteries, some of which we’ll cover today.
When is the right time to replace a car battery?
The exact lifespan of a car battery depends on your driving habits and the weather conditions in your local area, but generally speaking, it should last you anywhere from 3 to 5 years. Once the three-year period has passed, the recommended course of action is to check the health of your car battery once every ongoing year. It’s much better to catch it before it goes completely dead, as doing so will save you lots of trouble.
How to spot a dying car battery
If you notice one or more of the following systems, the life of your car battery is about to reach an end:
– Strange smells in your car, especially sulphury or egg-like.
– Your HUD displays the ‘check engine’ light.
– The car doesn’t start as quickly as it used to.
– The battery is visually disfigured or has an odd shape.
Spotting any of these means it’s time to pay a visit to the mechanic.
Different types of car batteries and which one to choose
Depending on the model of the car that you drive, you’re going to need to check and see what the best battery for it is. It’s recommended to get a new car battery, since you’re probably unfamiliar with the history of a used one, and taking the safest route is always the better option.
It’s also important for it not to remain sitting on the shelf for too long, since its power and capacity goes down even if it’s not actively used. Luckily, the manufacturing date is often printed on it, so it’s easy to tell. As for which one to choose, this depends on the car that you drive, and it changes every year. Therefore, checking the best car batteries guide with the latest information will help you select the right one for your particular needs.
Jumpstarting your vehicle if the battery is drained
If the battery is functional but simply drained, jumpstarting your vehicle with a set of jumper cables is a good way to get the job done. Of course, you’re also going to need another vehicle with a fully charged battery of the same voltage. During the procedure, be sure to stay safe, follow the safety guidelines at all times, and wear all the necessary safety equipment (especially some rubber gloves).
Conclusion
Car batteries can be a complicated subject, but everyone should learn these fundamental basics. Such knowledge could really get you out of trouble if your car starts acting out on you.