November 16, 2021
Before you ride your car, it will always be good to have proper knowledge about your car battery. Otherwise, you may be left stranded in the middle of the highway with a dead battery, which you will never like as a driver. In this blog, we discuss some basic things you should know about your car battery, and in the end, we have mentioned where you can get quality car battery service in Perth.
How long does a car battery last?
The average lifespan of a car battery is 3 to 5 years. However, driving habits and the impact of extreme climatic elements can reduce this span. That is why it is recommended to have your battery checked at regular intervals at a top-ranked car repair shop.
How does a car battery work?
The first and foremost thing you should know about your car battery is knowing how a car battery work.
Without a car battery, the electrical components of your car will not work properly, which means your car will not start. A car battery works in the following two steps.
A chemical reaction occurs
In the first step, the car battery converts chemical energy into electrical energy. This electrical energy delivers voltage to the starter, thus powering the car.
The electric current remains steady
Besides providing the necessary energy, the car battery also stabilizes the voltage to keep the car engine running. The car battery may look small, but it provides enormous power to keep all the electrical components functioning.
Warning signs of car battery replacement:
If your car battery needs replacement, it will give various symptoms and indications discussed here. The quicker you respond, the more you can save on your car battery replacement cost.
Slow engine crank
If the car engine takes longer than usual to start, it will produce a cranky noise. This feature is known as a slow engine crank.
Check engine light
If the battery’s power is weak, the check engine light may appear. Other strange system indicator lights like low coolant lights may also appear if your car battery has a problem. One thing to note here is that low coolant lights may also appear if the car needs more coolant.
Low battery fluid level
Usually, all car batteries have a partly translucent casing. It allows the driver to keep an eye on the battery’s fluid level. You can also check it by removing the black and red caps if there is no sealing. However, these parts are kept sealed in almost all modern car batteries.
If you find the fluid level below the energy conductor inside, you must get your car to the nearest repair shop to get the battery system tested. Fluid levels usually drop due to overcharging.
Battery case swelling and bloating
If the battery case swells, it may indicate a malfunctioning battery. The reason behind this symptom may be excessive heat. A swelling battery case means a reduction in the battery lifespan.
A rotten egg smell coming out
Are you noticing a rotten egg or a pungent smell around the battery? If so, there must be a battery leakage. Leaking the battery also leads to corrosion around the posts. So, if you find something like this, take your car to a repair shop to get the gunk removed or do a battery leakage test.
The battery has crossed the 3-year mark
Though the average lifespan goes beyond three years, you must get it tested yearly once it crosses the 3-year mark. Battery life gets affected by several factors like driving habits, frequent short trips, and weather elements.
Can a malfunctioning battery affect the starter or the charging system?
If your car’s battery becomes weak, additional stress will be put on those parts that are functioning. This way, the starter motor, charging system, or starter solenoid can be badly affected. When battery power is lacking, these components draw excessive electrical power to compensate for this deficit, thus affecting themselves.
If you leave this problem unchecked, you may end up paying huge amounts to any auto care services for the replacement.
How can you know if your alternator is not providing the car battery with sufficient electricity?
Two obvious symptoms can help you get an idea of this situation:
Warning lights alternatingly appear and disappear
Suppose the car’s warning lights, like check engine lights, appear alternatingly and disappear. In that case, it indicates that the car battery is almost drained and fails to provide power to the electrical components. In the case of a faulty alternator, the battery cannot receive any charge.
Slow crank in the engine
When you find it difficult to start your car, it indicates the car alternator not charging the battery properly.
Who can help you?
Auto Repair Shop is a leading car repair service provider in Perth that has served its clients for a long period. It provides extensive services like car battery replacement, car parts repair, car inspection, etc., in the Perth area. So, for any help, you can contact them.