When to Replace a Car Battery
It’s easy to not think too much about your car battery but this component is key to making sure your engine starts up properly. So, what happens when your car battery begins to wear down? How often should you replace your car battery?
We want to help you keep up with your car battery maintenance here at Andy Mohr Volkswagen. That’s why we’re here with this guide to help Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield drivers know when it’s time for them to replace their battery.
What Does the Car Battery Do?
You may not think too much about your battery until you forget to turn your lights off and it runs out of juice, but it plays a big role in your vehicle’s standard operation. In short, your battery provides electricity to your spark plug to start the initial ignition to your engine. Having a worn-out battery can make it difficult to get a good spark going.
In addition to that though, your battery is also important for powering things such as your lights and infotainment system. Anything that requires electricity in your car requires the battery. That’s why if your battery starts to get weaker, it’s important to stay on top of your maintenance.
When Do I Replace My Car Battery?
During normal operation, your car’s alternator will charge your battery while the engine is running. This ensures you don’t run out of charge over time, but that constant charging and recharging can make the battery hold less charge in the future. That’s why you’re going to want to replace your battery periodically.
In general, it’s a good practice to change your car battery every three years. However, that’s not a universal timeframe and how long your battery lasts can depend on your driving style.
Likely the most common reason your battery may lose charge faster than normal is that you drive infrequently and on short trips. If you don’t drive your car often enough, your alternator can’t fully charge your battery which will gradually wear it down. That’s why it’s important to make sure you take your car for long drives periodically to keep the battery fully charged.
Signs Your Battery Needs to be Replaced
So how can you tell when it’s time to replace your battery? If you’re not sure if you’ve hit that 3-year mark yet, there are a few symptoms you can look out for. Likely the most common issue is going to be difficulty starting your engine. Your engine might take a long time to ignite, and you may even see dim lights and electrical issues as you drive.
Another way to tell when your battery is due for a replacement is if you open your hood and you can see corrosion on your battery connectors. That’s a clear sign your battery needs to be replaced. Cleaning your battery connectors can lengthen your battery life temporarily but installing a fresh battery will be the best long-term solution.
Schedule Your Battery Replacement Today!
If you’re due to have your battery replaced, you can get the help you need at our service center near Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield. To get started, just schedule a service appointment with us at Andy Mohr Volkswagen today!
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| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |