Is it time to change your battery? A vehicle’s battery is its heart, powering everything from the ignition to the electrical systems. Understanding its function, common problems, and maintenance tips can help you extend its lifespan and avoid unexpected breakdowns. In this month’s blog post, we look at your vehicle’s battery and what you can do to keep it functioning properly.
The Function of a Vehicle Battery
The primary function of your vehicle’s battery is to supply electrical energy to various vehicle systems. It powers the starter motor, ignition system, and all the electronic devices in your vehicle when the engine is off. When the engine is running, the battery is recharged by the alternator.
Common Battery Problems
There are a variety of problems you may experience with your battery. Most vehicle owners discover problems when it is too late – and may end up stranded because they are unable to start the vehicle.
Common battery problems include:
- Battery Drain: Leaving lights or electronics on when the engine is off can drain the battery, preventing the vehicle from starting.
- Corrosion: Corrosion on the battery terminals can interrupt the connection between the battery and the vehicle, leading to power issues.
- Age: Over time, the battery’s ability to hold a charge diminishes, which can lead to frequent need for jump-starts or battery replacement. Most batteries are designed to last from three to four years, depending on specifics such as vehicle use and even where you live.
- Extreme Temperatures: Both hot and cold weather can affect battery performance and lifespan. Extreme heat can cause the battery fluid to evaporate, while extreme cold can slow down the chemical reaction inside the battery.
Maintaining Your Vehicle Battery
While your vehicle’s battery does have a fixed lifespan, there are several ways that you can maintain the battery and improve the likelihood that it will last.
- Regular Inspection: Check your battery regularly for signs of corrosion or damage. Clean the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water to remove corrosion. There are many videos available online that can walk you through how to clean the terminals safely.
- Proper Charging: Avoid leaving your vehicle inactive for long periods, as this can lead to battery drain. Regularly driving your vehicle helps keep the battery charged.
- Avoid Unnecessary Power Drain: Make sure to turn off all lights and unplug chargers and other devices when the engine is off.
- Professional Check-Up: Have your battery tested by a professional during regular vehicle maintenance to catch any potential issues early. You will want them to check for the battery’s ability to hold the charge.
- Protect from Extreme Temperatures: If possible, park your vehicle in a garage during extreme weather to protect the battery.
Remember, a well-maintained battery is key to a reliable and efficient vehicle. By understanding how your battery works and how to take care of it, you can extend its lifespan and avoid common battery problems. If you would like to have your battery inspected, contact the service professionals at Colonial Service Station to schedule an appointment.