Life of a Car Battery
If your engine is the heart of your car, then the battery is the brain. It powers all the electronics inside your vehicle that not only keep your vehicle going but also all the things that keep your drive comfortable. So, it’s important to know how often you’ll need to change your car battery.
The life of a car battery is about three or four years, and the team at Ira Toyota of Manchester can help keep yours going. If you’re in the Amherst, Manchester, or Derry, NH, area, read on to learn what you need to know about your car battery. Then, make an appointment at our service center to check out your car battery.
How Often Should I Change My Car Battery?
Your car battery won’t need to be changed very often—usually only every three or four years—but there are a few instances when it may need to be changed more often. You won’t have to do a lot to your battery, but you should check it periodically because your battery uses complex chemistry to produce electricity.
If you open the hood and notice there’s some white or green powder on your car battery—which will look like a big black box—that’s known as corrosion. Is there only a little around the terminals? Use baking soda to neutralize it and wipe it away. More than a little? Bring it to us for a battery replacement.
Signs I Need a New Car Battery
There are obvious signs that your car needs a battery replacement, such as the battery swelling, cracking, or leaking. If you notice any of these symptoms, do not touch the battery, as battery acid is incredibly corrosive. Bring your vehicle to us as soon as possible and we’ll dispose of the battery safely.
If your battery looks fine from the outside, what else can you look out for? The first thing you may notice is that you experience problems starting the engine. If the engine cranks but the car doesn’t turn on, this means your engine is powered up but the battery isn’t engaged.
Or, your car may not start altogether, meaning it needs a jump-start. Having to jump it more often is a sign your car battery may be starting to fail.
Tips to Extend the Life of a Car Battery
Now, how can you keep your battery healthy for its full lifespan? The easiest thing is to have your battery regularly tested, and this can be done during any regular maintenance appointment. If our service technicians notice any discrepancies, they’ll let you know.
Also, make sure you’re not leaving your car running unnecessarily, such as while no one is in it. If you must leave your car turned on—for example, if you need to leave the A/C on for your dog while you’re in the grocery store—turn off as many accessories as you can to conserve battery life.
Visit Our Service Center for All Your Questions About the Life of a Car Battery
Your battery should last three or four years when properly maintained, and the service team at Ira Toyota of Manchester is here to help. If you’re in Amherst, Manchester, or Derry, New Hampshire, visit us to keep your battery healthy and your car on the road.
Schedule your next battery inspection today!
