When you turn on the car, it sends a short burst of energy that causes the started motor to turn the engine. The energy that causes the car’s battery to work is voltage. The most minor decrease in voltage has a significant impact on the battery's performance. Once the engine fires up, the charging system takes over. When a battery dies, it means that the voltage has run out, and the battery will not charge.
What Shortens a Battery’s Life
There are some common things that can cause your battery to die.
• Leaving on your headlights or interior lights
• A failure of the charging system
• Extreme temperature exposure
• Battery terminal connection corrosion
• An old battery
• A car parked in one place for too long
Sign of a Weak or Dead Battery
There is a simple trick you can use to determine if your battery is dying. First, you should turn on your windshield wipers and watch to see if they are moving slower than typical. Often your exterior and dome lights look dimmer than usual if your battery is dying. Next, if your engine cranks but will not start, it is a sign that your battery is dead. Finally, if your battery is weakening, some signs include the radio not working, the engine cranking slowly, or your lights are not working. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your vehicle to Gerry Lane Buick GMC for a technician to assess the battery charge.
How to Find the Right Battery
Batteries are not the same. Some vehicles need certain types of batteries. You can use an online battery finder to help you find the correct battery for your car. However, there are some things to consider when you are looking for the correct battery for your vehicle.
Battery Type - If you have a vehicle that uses gas, you need a lead-acid battery. These batteries cannot be used for hybrid or electric cars. Instead, those vehicles use a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH).
Battery Group Size - There are various groups sizes for batteries. You need the group size of your old battery to ensure that it will fit in the battery case. In addition, the battery terminals must be put in the correct place. The group size is listed on the old battery’s label. It has a two digit number, often with a letter after the numbers.
Brand - You should choose the battery brand that is recommended by the manufacturer. If you decide to select a different brand, you want to make sure that the battery meets the specs of the owner’s manual and the needs of your vehicle.
Age - No matter how often or how little the battery is used, it has a definite lifespan. The life of the average battery is three years to six years. When the battery is not being used, chemical changes occur, and eventually, it will become useless. It would be best if you considered buying a battery within six months of being manufactured.
Cold-Cranking Amps (CCA) - CCA is the measure of the amount of energy the battery is able to provide for as long as 30 seconds at a specific temperature. The higher the number is on the battery means, the better the battery performs in cold weather.
How Often to Replace Car Battery
There are a few things that dictate when you should replace your battery.
Weather - When there is extreme weather, it can shorten the life of your battery. The higher the temperature is, it can soak up the battery fluid. This diminishes the charging power of the battery. When the temperature is cold, it places stress on the battery as you start it. It requires more power, and that causes the battery to drain faster.
Habits - When you take only short trips, it will not give your battery enough time to charge. If your vehicle sits in the same place for extended periods without being used, the battery drains.
Charging System - Your battery is what starts your car, but it relies on the charging system to ensure it has the power to engage the starter. When the charging system is not up to the task, the battery will not be able to send the charge to start the car.
