How long has it been since you’ve had your car battery replaced? If you can’t remember, it might be time to consider a car battery replacement. Car batteries have a lifespan, and when they reach the end of that lifespan, they need to be replaced. At SJ Tire Company, we offer car battery replacement and installation when you need it most. If you’re stuck somewhere or your car is just sitting at your home in Englewood, our team of experienced technicians can come to you to get you back on the road with a new car battery as quickly as possible. If you’re not sure if it’s time for a new car battery, keep reading to learn more about the signs to look out for, and contact us at SJ Tires in Englewood to schedule your car battery replacement today!
The Engine Cranks but the Car Still Won’t Start
If you turn the key in your car ignition and the engine cranks but the car still won’t start, it could be a sign that your car battery is dying. When the car battery is old or damaged, it can’t hold a charge as well as it used to and won’t be able to power the car like it needs to. If this happens, you’ll need to get a new car battery right away.
The Car Battery is Leaking
If you notice that your car battery is leaking, it’s definitely time for a car battery replacement. A car battery should never leak, so if you notice any fluid around your car battery, it means that the battery is damaged and needs to be replaced before it causes more damage to your car.
The Check Engine Light is On
If the check engine light in your car is on, it could be a sign of a problem with the car battery. The car battery is responsible for powering all of the electrical components in your car, so if there’s something wrong with the battery, it can cause the check engine light to come on. If you notice that the check engine light is on, bring your car to SJ Tire Company in Englewood for a car battery replacement.
You Have to Jump Start Your Car a Lot
If you find yourself having to jumpstart your car more and more often, it’s a sign that the car battery is losing its ability to hold a charge. Jumpstarting your car puts a lot of strain on the battery, so if you’re doing it frequently, it’s time to get a new car battery.
Your Car Battery is Cracked or Swollen
If you take a look at your car battery and notice that it’s cracked or swollen, it means that the battery is damaged and needs to be replaced. A car battery can become cracked or swollen for a number of reasons, but most often it’s because of overcharging.
The Battery is Heavily Coated or Corroded
If the battery terminals are heavily coated or corroded, it’s a sign that the car battery is old and needs to be replaced. Over time, car batteries can become corroded from all of the chemicals and fluids inside of them, so if you notice that the terminals are coated or corroded, it means that it’s time for a car battery replacement.
Understanding the Causes of Battery Deterioration
Now that you know the signs to look out for, it’s important to understand the causes of car battery deterioration. There are a few different things that can cause a car battery to deteriorate, and knowing what they are can help you avoid them in the future.
Heat
One of the most common causes of car battery deterioration is heat. Car batteries are sensitive to heat, and if they get too hot, it can cause them to degrade more quickly. Car batteries typically last between three and five years, but if they’re regularly exposed to extreme heat, they might only last two or three years.
Cold Weather
Another common cause of car battery deterioration is cold weather. Just like car batteries are sensitive to heat, they’re also sensitive to cold weather. When car batteries get cold, the chemicals inside of them can freeze and expand, which can damage the battery. If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s important to keep your car battery warm to prevent it from deteriorating.
Excessive Vibrations
The last common cause of car battery deterioration is vibration. Car batteries are designed to withstand a certain amount of vibration, but if they’re regularly exposed to excessive vibrations, it can damage the battery and cause it to deteriorate more quickly.
Now that you know the signs and causes of car battery deterioration, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from happening. If you live in an area with extreme heat or cold, it’s important to keep your car battery in a temperature-controlled environment. If your car is regularly exposed to excessive vibrations, it’s important to have the car battery checked regularly to make sure that it’s not damaged. Taking these steps can help you prolong the life of your car battery and avoid having to replace it prematurely.
How to Test Your Car Battery at Home
If you think that your car battery might be deteriorating, it’s important to get it tested as soon as possible. Testing the car battery can help you determine whether or not the battery needs to be replaced. There are a few different ways to test your car battery, but the most common way is with a voltmeter.
To test your car battery with a voltmeter, you’ll need to connect the voltmeter to the car battery. Once the voltmeter is connected, it will give you a reading of the car battery’s voltage. If the car battery’s voltage is 12.0 volts or higher, it means that the car battery is in good condition and doesn’t need to be replaced. However, if the car battery’s voltage is below 12.0 volts, it means that the car battery is in poor condition and needs to be replaced.
Contact Us Today!
If you think that your car battery is in need of a car battery replacement, contact SJ Tire Company in Englewood today. We offer car batteries and installations as well as mobile tire repair services, and our team of certified technicians can help you get the car battery replacement that you need. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.