As simple as it sounds to avoid, one of the top calls for roadside assistance is a dead car battery. Although the car battery is one of the most important elements of your vehicle, that little black box under the hood is often overlooked. We often jump into our cars, expecting them to start right up. However, because there isn’t a standard mileage interval for a car battery replacement, it is easy to forget about checking the condition of the battery!
But how often should a car battery be replaced, you wonder? Most car batteries will last anywhere from three to five years of normal use before they become worn down and inefficient. During the cold temperatures of winter, be sure to have your car battery inspected at every oil change. In just a short period of time, its charge can go from 90% performance down to 20%. To avoid being stranded out in the cold, the cost for a car battery replacement is relatively small.
The car battery has to be strong enough to perform several jobs, namely; starting your car, powering the onboard computers, and providing power to the electronic accessories. Even though you be able to still start your car with a weak battery, other features that require significant power demands can be affected, such as headlights, navigation system, power windows, and door locks so that they don’t operate as well they should. Newer vehicles with their powerful computers are constantly drawing energy from the battery, even when the ignition is off. Also, cars with stop-start technology (they automatically shut off when stopped) place a greater strain on the battery.
Remember: Servicing your car battery should be at the top of your maintenance checklist. Just like regular oil changes, maintaining your car battery in tip-top condition is one of the most economical and easiest forms of vehicle maintenance.
Wondering how often should a car battery be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at B & L Auto Service for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop is proud to serve vehicle owners in Whitehouse, OH, and the surrounding areas.
