How Do I Know When I Need a New Car Battery?
You’ve gone to start the car for your daily commute, to drop the kids off at school, or just to go and do the shopping, but when you turn the key, nothing happens!
A flat car battery always seems to come at the worst time, and because it’s responsible for your ignition, radio and some of your car’s other electrical systems, you’re pretty stuck when it does go flat.
So what can you do? Well, this month at Ken’s Autos, we’ll take you through some important information regarding your car’s battery – including how long they’re meant to last, signs that you need a new one and even how you can get a replacement through our handy services.
How long should a car battery last?
If properly looked after, a normal car battery should last anywhere between three and five years. However, a lot will depend on the type of battery you get and what kind of vehicle you’re driving. Some cars might be more intensive in their use of power, while your own driving habits can influence how quickly the charge in a car battery gets depleted.
AGM batteries have grown in popularity in recent years as an alternative to standard batteries. These are known to have a longer lifespan with less maintenance required.
Leaving the headlights or radio on in a car with the engine off is a common mistake people make, draining the battery so that, when they next come to drive, the engine won’t even turn over. That’s why it pays to check you’ve turned your lights off before leaving the car.
What is an AGM battery?
AGM stands for ‘Absorbent Glass Mat’, and essentially refers to the glass fibres used between the negative and positive plates to absorb any battery acid in this particular type of battery.
They are becoming more and more common due to them being required for cars that use start-stop technology — something developed to reduce overall fuel consumption and emissions from cars. AGMs have a bigger cold-start current and can meet the demands of these more sophisticated, modern vehicles.
It’s important to note that, if you’ve already got an AGM battery, then you’ll only be able to replace it with another AGM battery.
Three signs you need a new car battery
One way to avoid being stranded without the use of your car is to make sure you replace your car battery before it dies completely. There are a few obvious signs you can look out for that indicate your battery is nearing the end of its life.
Here are some of our tips and signs to be aware of regarding car batteries:
1. Check your dashboard warning signal
Most cars these days will have a small light on the dashboard to indicate when there is an issue with the battery. Usually represented by a small rectangle with a plus and minus sign inside it, once this light comes on and stays on, you know you’ve got a limited time to take action and get it replaced. Alternatively, you might be able to have it recharged if it’s still in good working order.
2. You’re having trouble starting the car
Are you finding it difficult to get your car to start? Sometimes it can simply be because it’s extremely cold outside, but if you’ve noticed the time it takes to start the engine steadily increasing each day, this is a sure sign of a battery going flat. Before long, you’ll only hear a clicking sound, which means there isn’t enough power left to turn the engine over and get it started — don’t ignore this warning sign as it’s one of the very few you’ll get.
3. The electrics in the car are not working
From your headlights and electric windows to heated seats and more, your electrics need the car battery in order to work properly. Once you notice that these features aren’t working, it’s time to consult with a professional about whether you need a new car battery.
What to do when you need a new car battery
If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, or if you know your car battery has already given up the ghost, then don’t panic, because help is at hand.
At Ken’s Auto Spares, we offer a car battery replacement service at our store in Bulwell, as well as a mobile car battery fitting service if you need us to come to you because you’ve completely run out of juice.
Use our online instant quote page where you can choose your vehicle make and model to find a handy quote for the supply, fitting and mobile fitting of a new car battery.
We sell batteries made by Banner, a quality, reliable German OE manufacturer used in 80 countries around the world, so you know you’re getting a top product when you buy your replacement battery for your car from us.
Call today and book a mobile car battery fitting appointment with us or visit our store to discuss your car battery requirements.