One of the most important, yet most frequently overlooked components of your vehicle is the battery. It’s necessary to start the engine, and over time, wear and tear take their toll. Eventually, car batteries need to be replaced. How do you know when it’s time to buy a new one, though? Here are some of the signs to watch for.
Bulging Sides
One of the most important signs to watch for that indicates car batteries are about to die, bulging sides show that a battery has been exposed to extreme heat or cold, and is about to die. This is often seen in vehicles that are rarely driven, causing the charge in the battery to deplete, and then freezing or extreme heat conditions set in.
Slow Crank
When you turn the key in the ignition, the engine should crank quickly, and then come to life. If the engine turns over slowly, and sounds like it’s hesitating to start, chances are good that you have a dying or dead battery and it needs to be replaced. However, there is a chance that the battery is only depleted. Have it tested and if it tests good, a charge should be all that is needed.
Aged Out
Check the date on the sticker or the punch on your battery. If it is more than five years old, have the battery tested. If it tests bad, replace it. Do this even if your battery’s warranty is longer than five years, since the average lifespan for all car batteries in the US is roughly five years. If you have any warranty remaining, the battery should be prorated, so long as you return to the store where you purchased the original, and have proof of purchase (the receipt).
The Battery Drains Overnight
If your battery has been depleted, and you’ve put it on a charger, only to find that the battery drains overnight, it needs to be replaced. Of course, this could also be due to an electrical draw on the battery, so make sure there are no lights left on, or anything else that might pull current.
When it comes time to replace car batteries, turn to the reconditioning experts at Business Name. We’re happy to test your old battery, and we’ll even install your new one free of charge. Our reconditioned batteries even come with a full three-year warranty for your peace of mind. You can also follow them on Google+ for more updates.
