When Should You Replace Your Car Battery?

When Should You Replace Your Car Battery?

All car batteries eventually wear out and will need to be replaced—but some of them get replaced before their time. 

Is it Really the Battery?

If your battery died and you need to jump-start your car to get it going again, it could be a battery problem. But before you replace it, make sure to have the battery tested. Your battery could have been affected by a parasitic drain (when the power from the battery continues to be drained after the engine is off) or a faulty alternator that’s not charging your battery properly. 

However, before you assume the alternator is the problem, make sure to have it tested, too. Often, the alternator is fine, but it’s not spinning enough to charge the battery due to a worn serpentine belt or belt tensioner. 

As you can see, there are several reasons why a car battery can die: a bad battery, a bad alternator, a worn serpentine belt, or a worn belt tensioner. This is why it’s important not to automatically assume the battery is the problem. If you don’t check the belt, tensioner, and alternator, you may end up replacing a battery that still has a lot of life left in it. 

How Do Car Batteries Wear Out?

There’s a chemical process that occurs inside your battery that allows it to discharge when you start your car and recharge while you drive (using the alternator). However, if you often take short trips with frequent stops and starts, your battery may not have a chance to fully recharge. 

Over time, this can cause certain parts of the battery to harden, making it harder for them to store electricity; ultimately, this results in a decrease in your battery’s capacity to hold a charge. It also puts strain on your alternator and can cause it to wear prematurely. 

Signs Your Battery is Dead or Dying

Studies show that approximately 70% of car batteries fail within four years. Although there’s no way to know for sure how long your battery will last, it’s generally recommended to replace your battery every five years to prevent unexpected breakdowns and excess strain on your alternator. 

Here are a few common signs that suggest your battery may need to be replaced:

  • The engine is slow to crank or takes multiple tries to start
  • The battery light is on 
  • The battery case looks swollen or misshapen
  • Battery fluid leaks

If you have any concerns about the condition of your car battery, contact EuroCar Service! From diagnostics to repairs, we offer complete care for your vehicle. We specialize in all European makes, including BMWAudiLand RoverMercedesMini-CooperSaabJaguarVolkswagenVolvoSmart Car, and Fiat! Call us today at (206) 527-8828 or request an appointment online.