When to Replace Car Battery
How do you know when to replace a car battery? This is a good question to ask since the battery in your car is vital for performance, safety, and other traits. There are things to keep an eye out for when driving around Stratham, Exeter, or Portsmouth, NH, that suggest swapping out the battery is a good idea.
Also, if you bring in your car for routine care at a shop such as our BMW of Stratham facility, the certified technicians will know when it’s time to change the battery.
How Long Do Car Batteries Last?
To start with, let’s take a look at how long most car batteries last. In certain models, the battery may last two or three years, while in other cases it might last six or seven years. The best estimate is somewhere in between, around the three-to-four-year average.
The type of model you drive and the type of weather your vehicle is subjected to can influence the lifespan of a car battery. Also, be careful not to drain the battery accidentally. For example, if you leave the lights on inside the cabin after turning off the car, the battery may drain completely. While the battery will charge again once you start the car, draining it isn’t helpful for long-term reliability.
What Does a Car Battery Do?
Exactly what is your car battery responsible for? The battery deals with everything electronic which, in modern cars, is quite a lot. There are electronics involved with safety, infotainment, performance, and more. So, the battery provides juice to all these important components.
If your car battery dies or isn’t running properly, you likely won’t be able to start the vehicle at all. The battery is essentially what jump-starts your vehicle when you turn the key or press the ignition button.
How Will I Know When to Replace My Battery?
You’ll notice signs that the battery is fading if you keep a close eye on your vehicle. For one, if the electronics, such as the touchscreen display, begin to malfunction, it could be the result of a dying battery.
Having trouble starting your vehicle could also be a symptom since the battery is necessary to get it going. A check engine light appearing on the dashboard is another sign.
You can also take a look at the battery itself. If you notice corrosive material starting to form around the battery or the battery is beginning to give off an odor, a change is needed.
Easily Replace Your Car Battery With Us
Routine stops once or twice a year will allow our certified technicians to keep an eye on your car battery. If you’ve been driving around Exeter, Stratham, or Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and have begun to notice signs your battery is fading, you can give us a call or use our scheduling tool.
We’ll happily install a new battery. Our BMW of Stratham Service Center team is always here to help!