Everyone experiences a drained battery from time to time. A battery is a necessary element to the vehicle and a down battery will make the vehicle inoperable. Fortunately, the bad battery can be rejuvenated in most cases with a simple jumpstart, though in some cases, a battery will need a replacement. Since the battery places a major role in the vehicle, we at Highway 30 Towing would like to discuss a bit of the basics for your today.
Car Battery Life Calculator
The lifespan can be reduced under various circumstances; however, it typically will last around 6 years. The lifespan is often reduced due to multiple discharge/recharge cycles or when you operate headlights and interior lights or other electronics with the engine off. To protect the battery, avoid leaving the electronics plugged in like GPS, cell phones etc. Also, avoid unnecessary draining by ensuring you turn the headlights and interior lights off.
Signs of a Weak or Bad Car Battery
The battery is likely running out of juice when you notice a slow cranking on startup or seeing the battery warning light illuminate on the dashboard. The battery is winding down should the vehicle electronics like remote locks or interior lights randomly stop working. Proper disposal of a spent battery is essential since the battery acid and other corrosive materials hazardous.
Hot & Cold Weather Can Affect Car Battery
The performance and life of the battery can be negatively impacted by the weather. The people that spend many days in warm weather will likely experience a battery the lacks the ability to hold a charge since the heat in these climates evaporate the battery solution. Where too many people will fill the battery with water to compensate the loss, the water contains minerals and impurities that can damage battery cells. A rotten egg smell manifests from the solution’s sulfur. Avoid this tactic and stick to a battery replacement.
On the flip side, the cold winters other people may face often experience their vehicle is having difficulty getting started since the extremely low temperatures will freeze a battery, the cold reduces the solution’s ability to transfer full power. Installing a battery with a higher CCA (cold cranking amp) rating is ideal is a common misconception as it cannot assist vehicle computers regulate the amperage that is required for startup.
Troubleshooting Dead Car Battery
As a likely suspect, the dead battery is often the stem of potential issues, but there is an assortment of parts that can cause similar symptoms. A faulty starter motor making the same symptoms appear as a dead battery, there is a clicking sound as you turn the key. Contributing to a no-start condition the alternator fails from when the engine is on the battery won’t recharge. Common imitators of complete battery failure is when the electricity flow is prevented from the worn-out spark plugs or clogged fuel injectors or worn-out spark plugs of if the battery terminals are coated with corrosion. With a wire brush or steel wool, clean the terminals to restore the battery’s performance.
Towing, Roadside Assistance & More in Cassia, Gooding, Jerome & Twin Falls Counties in Magic Valley, Idaho & Jackpot, Northern Nevada
Should you find the need for battery jump in the Greater Magic Valley Region and surrounding areas, call Highway 30 Towing.
