From Battery Warning Signs to Emergency Replacement: What to Expect

Your car’s battery is responsible for providing power to your ignition system, headlights, instrument panel, air conditioning system, and more. Without a healthy battery, your vehicle won’t get very far! To keep your vehicle running, follow these guidelines around car battery replacement.

When Do You Need to Replace Your Vehicle’s Battery?

Like the multiple AAA batteries needed in toys, remote controls, and flashlights, your car’s battery gradually loses its ability to hold a charge. However, because it’s considerably larger than consumer batteries, this loss takes three to five years in most situations.

Once your battery reaches this age, pay more attention to how it operates to know when to replace it.

Signs You Need to Replace a Car Battery

Warning signs come in two categories: those that signal an immediate danger, and those that require immediate action, but if you can’t make it to the garage for a few days, you will likely be fine.

These symptoms of battery damage require immediate action:

• Bulges in battery casing: Caused by overcharging or hydrogen gas buildup, this symptom signals danger of explosion.
• Swollen battery case: Extreme temperatures cause internal damage to a battery, which may cause the case to swell.
• Burning smell: If you smell this unpleasant odour, do not boost your battery.
• Blue salt deposits: This blue “powder” suggests corrosion.

If your battery shows any of the above symptoms, have your car towed to your nearest garage for a battery replacement. Do not drive it.

The following symptoms should not be ignored, but you can probably drive your vehicle to the nearest garage for a battery replacement.

• Strange sounds: Turning your key or driving may cause strange ticking or thumping sounds.
• Sluggish start: This symptom suggests your battery doesn’t have enough power to start your engine. This will only get worse with time.
• Electric and electronic issues: You may experience dim or flickering lights, or power accessories like your windows or radio may not work.
• Consistent battery warning light: A battery warning light can signal any number of problems. However, if it stays on after you’ve started the car, you may have a problem with your battery.

Which Replacement Battery Works Best?

Batteries come in different types, so your automotive technician may offer you several options to choose from. There are two common car battery types for gas-powered vehicles:

• Lead-acid: You’ll find this battery in most passenger vehicles, because they’re affordable and can be easily installed.
• AGM: These batteries last longer than lead-acid batteries, but are more expensive.

You can upgrade to an AGM battery from a lead-acid one, but you can’t downgrade to lead-acid battery if your car originally had an AGM battery.

Car Battery Replacement Cost

Prices for batteries vary; however, expect to pay a few hundred dollars depending on your vehicle model. As tempting as it might be to push this off as long as possible, doing so may cause problems with the engine, starter, and alternator. These are all expenses that are well above replacing a battery.

Battery Maintenance Tips

To help your battery last as long as possible, follow these maintenance tips:

• Drive your car at least once every three to four days. Ensure at least one trip lasts longer than 15 minutes.
• Ask your automotive technician to check your battery during your oil or tire changes.
• Avoid storing your car battery in extreme temperatures. For example, don’t park in the sun if possible, and use a battery warmer overnight when the temperature drops.

For more questions on battery health, or to have your battery replaced, contact your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre. Our friendly technicians will be more than happy to help you.