8 Things to Know About Your Car Battery

Your car battery provides the power to start and operate your vehicle. It also allows electrical components like lights, the radio, GPS systems, and wipers to work while the engine is off. Needless to say, your battery is an important part of your automobile, and taking care of it can help you drive efficiently and safely, extend the life of your car, and save money on repairs. Read on to explore eight things to know about your car battery.

How Does a Car Battery Work?

A car battery works the same as a regular battery, except on a larger scale. When you insert the key into the ignition or push a start button, your car sends a signal to the battery. The battery then converts chemical energy into electrical power and delivers this power to crank the engine. It also powers the headlights, stereo, and other electrical components. Once the battery turns the engine on, the alternator then supplies power to the car. Most car batteries use lead-acid chemical reactions. They’re part of the SLI battery category, which stands for starting, lighting, and ignition.

Another important fact to know about your car is that the alternator, an electrical generator, actually charges the battery while the engine is running. In other words, every time you use your car, your battery is charging automatically. Smart, right? However, if your battery is running while your engine is off, it’s not getting that constant recharge, and it will eventually drain and die. This might happen if you leave lights on while your car is off. Older, weaker batteries may drain faster than ones in newer conditions.

• Impact of Cold Weather: Extremely cold weather can significantly reduce a battery’s power. Modern batteries are equipped with cold-cranking amps (CCA) to provide an extra boost during cold starts. Whenever possible, park your car in a garage during harsh winter conditions to maintain battery health​​.
• Maintenance-Free Modern Batteries: Unlike older models, modern car batteries are designed to be maintenance-free, retaining their fluid for the battery’s lifespan. However, they are less tolerant of deep discharges, so regular use and proper charging are still crucial​​.
• Natural Self-Discharge: All car batteries naturally lose charge over time, even when not in use. To prevent this, connect your car battery to a charger if your vehicle will be inactive for extended periods​​.

What If My Battery is Dead?

Image used with permission via Unsplash by jumpstarterexpert

A dead battery, or a battery without charge, is a very common issue among car owners. Your battery may be dead because of an honest accident or a flaw in the battery itself. Here are some reasons your battery might be dead:

• If you left headlights or interior lights on after turning off the car, the battery may have lost its charge by powering these lights.
• There may have been a charging system failure, corrosion, or another issue with the battery itself that caused it to die.
• If you haven’t used your car in a long time, the battery hasn’t had a chance to recharge and may lose charge and die.

In order to prevent these issues from occurring, check your car before you leave to make sure all internal and external lights are off. It’s also important to use your car for at least five minutes at least once every week or so to keep the battery and engine fresh. If your battery does die, you can typically jump-start your car to start the vehicle and get back on the road. In some cases, you may need to replace your battery altogether.

How To Jump-Start a Car

If your car battery dies, try jump-starting your car to ignite the engine. You’ll need another functional car and a set of jumper cables. If possible, get a friend or family member to show you how to connect each cable to the dead and functional vehicles. Make sure to let the car idle for at least five minutes after you start it successfully so your alternator can give your battery a good amount of charge.

How To Tell Your Car Battery Is Getting Low

There are some telltale signs that your battery is losing charge or getting weak. Catching these signs early means you can take corrective actions immediately, fix and replace your battery, and keep your car in great shape. Look out for these clues when you’re using your vehicle:

The Engine Is Slow To Start

If it takes a few twists of your key or pushes of the button to start your engine, this may be a sign that your battery is dying. You’ll probably hear a few too many seconds of whirring before your engine turns over.

The Engine Won’t Start

If your car won’t start, it’s possible that your battery is dead and you need to jump-start it. This could be true even if your battery has enough charge left in it to turn on the lights, radio, or headlights.

The Radio Won’t Turn On

If your radio, lights, or other electrical components won’t turn on, it’s possible that your battery’s too weak to send power to your vehicle. You can typically jump-start your battery to fix this, but you might need car battery replacement in Marion if it’s too old or weak.

How Often Should I Replace My Car Battery?

Lead-acid batteries are usually quite reliable. They can last anywhere from three to 12 or more years. You can check how much life is left in your car battery by stopping by an auto service center and getting an inspection. A trained service professional can then tell you whether it’s necessary to replace your battery.

Did you know that dead car batteries cannot be simply thrown away? They contain harmful substances like lead dioxide and sulfuric acid, which need to be handled carefully through recycling processes. Local recycling centers or scrap metal facilities can take these off your hands and ensure they are disposed of properly.

Is the Problem With the Battery or Alternator?

The symptoms of a dead battery and a faulty alternator can be the same, so if your initial repairs don’t work, you may need to replace your alternator. For example, a swollen battery may be the result of a malfunctioning alternator that overcharges the battery, making both components inoperable.

What Affects Car Battery Cost?

The cost of a car battery can typically be anywhere from $100 to $350. Factors that can affect the cost of a new battery include the kind of battery you need and the exact make and model of your vehicle. 12-volt lead-acid batteries are typically between $125 to $135, whereas absorbent glass mat options are for luxury vehicles and usually cost around $200. Batteries for RVs and boats have to be more powerful and can be more expensive.

Buy a Car Battery From a Dealership – Not Walmart

As the battery is one of the most important components of your vehicle, it’s important to get a high-quality battery that fits your vehicle’s needs. Buying from a dealership can ensure that you get the quality and support you need from trained auto service professionals, saving you time and money in the long term. These team members can also assist you with other questions you may have about your vehicle.

Knowing the basics about how your battery works can help you avoid car trouble and fix problems right away if they happen. Getting your car serviced regularly allows professionals to inspect your car and let you know if they see anything wrong. If you have any questions about your car battery, contact us at VW of Marion, and we’ll be happy to assist you.