If you take the time to learn how to properly care for your car battery, it will likely last a lot longer. The next time you need to jump-start your car and it won’t start, check out these tips- top off the fluid level in the battery, clean off any corrosion on the terminals and keep an eye out for warning signs of impending failure such as unusual noise or poor performance.
Many people think that the reason their car battery dies is that it needs replacement. Though this is true, there are many other reasons why the battery may fail to operate. Understanding these causes of failure can help you avoid unnecessary replacements and save money.
What causes a car battery to die? 
There are various reasons; we will outline a few here:
- Ignition failure: This is the most common reason and simply means that your car’s engine isn’t turning on. If this happens, you need to diagnose the problem quickly in order to avoid an expensive replacement.
- Low fluid level or corrosion on terminals: Low fluid levels or corrosion can lead to electrical problems in your battery. This problem in turn can cause the battery to short out.
- Memory effect: Some batteries have a ‘memory effect’ which means that it only lasts for one cycle before dying. It’s recommended that you replace these batteries when you see that they are ineffective.
- Age: Car batteries only last for two to three years (depending on the type). This is because, like all batteries, they slowly lose their power over time.
- Extreme temperatures: Batteries can fail when exposed to extreme heat or cold. Avoid this by keeping it in a garage and making sure you replace it during the winter.
- Failure to start: If you find yourself in this situation it could simply be that the battery is not connected. However, it could also mean that the battery needs charging or replacing.
Warning signs of battery failure
The battery may not be connected, or it could need charging or replacing. If you see that the car is difficult to start and you’re getting a lot of warning lights, this is an indicator that your battery needs attention as soon as possible. Signs to watch out for include unusual noise from the engine compartment and poor performance when starting the vehicle.
Keep an eye on fluid levels in order to avoid corrosion on terminals and electrical problems with the battery. When taking a test drive, listen for any warning signs that may indicate problems with your car’s battery.
Replace your battery if any of these symptoms arise; they can lead to more expensive repairs down the road because once a car’s battery fails, there’s no turning back! It will continue to fail when you need it most.
If your car battery is not working anymore, and you don’t want to spend more money buying a new one for a car that is old and maybe has other engine issues, it’s time to sell it to get some cash to buy a new car. Houston Junk Car Buyers can help you by giving you cash for your junk car. Just contact us and we’ll do the rest.
How do you keep your car battery healthy?
Keep your car battery healthy by ensuring that the fluid levels are at the appropriate level and that there isn’t any corrosion. The battery can also lose its power if it is hot or cold, so make sure you keep it in a garage and replace it during winter.
If you experience any problems, it’s important to diagnose the cause quickly. Following these steps can help you avoid an unnecessary replacement and save money in the future!
The average lifespan of a car battery is about 3-5 years, depending on the quality of the battery and how well it’s maintained. Most batteries will need to be replaced before that time frame expires though.
Even if you have trouble starting your car after 5 minutes, chances are it’s not going to last anywhere close to five more years.
As mentioned, one thing that can cause your battery to wear out faster is if it gets overcharged by the alternator. The electrolyte inside (the acid) degrades slowly over time, so eventually, it becomes weak and unable to hold a charge efficiently. When this happens, the car has to work harder at charging the battery, which causes more wear on the battery, so it wears out even faster.
In this way, you can keep your current car much more time with you, and avoid selling or spending time and money repairing the battery or buying a new one. Anywhere if you have to take your car to the mechanic check things you should know before taking your car to the mechanic in our article.
Remember cleaning your car battery
Cleaning your car battery is an important part of maintaining it. This helps to avoid corrosion and creates a more conducive electrical flow. Clean the terminal posts where the cables attach with a dry cloth or brush. Avoid using a wire brush as this can create additional corrosion. Also, wipe off any dirt or grime from the battery top.
Using distilled water, check the electrolyte levels inside the battery through each cell cap to make sure it’s between the upper and lower line.
The next time you need to go out on a long trip, make sure that you’re ready in terms of car battery health by following these tips. You’ll be able to avoid many common problems like not being able to start your car at all, charging issues, and warning lights coming on!
Make sure the battery is seated properly
Maybe you’re thinking your car is not working anymore because it doesn’t turn on when you try, but the situation could be less dramatic.
One of the most common reasons that a car battery can fail is that it’s not properly seated. If the cables aren’t securely in place, the current will be interrupted and the battery won’t be able to recharge when it’s needed.
Make sure you check your battery periodically for any damage like cuts in the insulation. Also, be sure that the battery is clean and free of corrosion. If you notice any damage or you need to replace your battery, contact a professional as soon as possible.
Other causes of failure are corrosion or overheating. The electrolyte inside (the acid) degrades slowly over time, so eventually, it becomes weak and unable to hold a charge efficiently. When this happens, the car has to work harder at charging the battery, which causes more wear on the battery, so it wears out even faster.
So now that we’ve reviewed how to keep your car’s battery working at peak capacity, it’s important to remember that if anything seems off, have it checked out by a professional.
On the other hand, if the problem turns out to be bigger than you thought and your car is not working anymore, or you decide it is time to take it away, you have the option to sell it. Houston Junk Car Buyers is a junk car buyer located in Houston that buys your car at the best price in a simple way, so don’t waste more time and get cash from your junk car today.
Turn off the car’s electrical components when it’s not being used
It’s important to remember that if anything seems off, have it checked out by a professional. Other causes of failure are corrosion or overheating.
Turn off any electrical components in your car when you’re not using them since they use power from the battery to run. For example, if you’re stopped at a stoplight and you don’t turn off your headlights, then they’ll continue running which will suck up power from the battery. Leaving the radio on, using your AC, or rolling down the window will also draw power which can additionally damage the battery.
If you have an old and used car whose battery died and you didn’t do more than leave it in your yard, this could be a problem. To learn more about it go to our article about “How leaving an old, unused vehicle sitting in your property can be a potential danger to yourself and others”.
Call Houston Junk Car Buyers
You just need to give a bit of time and effort to maintain your battery to make sure that you won’t have to deal with battery problems for a long time.
