The day your car won’t start isn’t the best time to shop for a new car battery.
As vehicle technology continues to evolve, cars today need more electric power to operate features such as stop / start technology, safety and convenience features, and to charge all of our devices. If you’ve had to replace a car battery in the past few years, you’ve probably noticed that they’ve become more expensive. Prices have been rising over the past decade, and the situation has worsened during COVID.
Car batteries typically last 3 to 5 years. Over their lifespan they gradually deteriorate and lose charging capacity until there’s not enough energy to start the engine. They degrade for lots of reasons, including vibration from rough roads, loose hardware, a malfunctioning charging system, how frequently vehicles are driven, and extreme temperatures and humidity. A dead battery can cause a real hassle, particularly if you can’t find your jumper cables or if you have to wait for roadside assistance.
Taking proper care of your vehicle’s battery can help you get the best service life from it. Be attentive to its condition and age. Keep the terminals clean and free of corrosion, and keep the terminal connections and mounting hardware tight. A sealing spray applied to clean terminals will help protect them and prevent corrosion buildup.
When you need to replace a battery, it’s important to get the right size and terminal configuration to fit your vehicle. Today’s car batteries come in two basic technologies: the more traditional lead-acid “flooded cell” batteries, or and the newer absorbed glass mat or AGM batteries. It is best to follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for size and type when replacing your vehicle’s battery. It’s also important to choose a battery with the best warranty period you can get.
At All Tech Automotive, your vehicle’s battery is tested every time we complete a complimentary Preventive Maintenance Inspection, typically with every visit. We test its ability to hold a voltage while being used; as a result, you will know when it’s time to start shopping. The batteries we sell come with a full five-year replacement warranty (not pro-rated).
When your car is slow or hard to start, stop in and ask to have your battery tested. We will provide the information and choices you need to keep your vehicle, and your family, rolling safely down the road!