Mar 15, 2022

How to Know When Your Car, Truck, or SUV Battery Needs to Be Replaced

How to Know When You Need a Car Battery

Your car’s battery is what gets your vehicle up and running every morning. So, it’s obvious that it can be very stressful to try and start your engine, only to be faced with a dull click or a struggling engine turnover.

The average car battery is built to last around 3 years, maximum. However, climate and daily use can lead to the start of a failed battery. Let’s examine some of the most common causes of a dead battery and the most obvious signs that it’s time for a replacement.

Common Causes of a Dead Battery

Although age definitely plays a large factor in a dead battery, there are also several other reasons behind your valuable battery turning into a glorified paperweight.

Some of the most common reasons for a battery’s premature death can be:

  • Leaving a headlight or inner-vehicle light on overnight that drains the battery
  • The off-chance of a defective battery
  • An issue with your vehicle’s charging system
  • Corroded battery terminals

Signs You Need to Get Your Battery Tested

There are several reasons why a battery may need to be replaced, but the first step in resolving the problem is knowing when it’s time to get your battery tested.

A quick battery test from a mechanic can quickly tell you the health of your battery and point you in the right direction of possible vehicle repairs or the correct battery replacement.

Here are some of the warning signs that it’s time to take your battery in for a test.

Slow Starts

Your battery should always be charged enough to give your vehicle a strong, quick start. However, if you notice that over time, starting your vehicle becomes a slower process that dwindles to a struggle over time, your battery could be near the end of its life.

Rather than charging it up and hoping for the best, it may be time to take it in for a test and possible replacement.

Dashboard Light Illumination

Dashboard warning lights aren’t just there for their flashy looks. If your vehicle’s battery warning light illuminates, heed the warning, and get your vehicle in for a Texas vehicle inspection from an auto mechanic as soon as possible.

Your Battery Case is Misshapen

If you go to examine your battery and find that your battery case is bloated or deformed, it has either been overcharged or has simply been exposed to too much heat over time. Regardless of the reason, any misshapen batteries should always skip the testing process and go straight towards a replacement.

Test Your Battery or Schedule a Replacement at a Kwik Kar Near You

If your vehicle has been experiencing starting troubles, your battery could be the root cause of your problem. Let the automotive experts at a Kwik Kar near you test your battery and quickly determine if it’s time for a replacement.

Kwik Kar Automotive Lube & Service Center has proudly served Texas for decades and is ready to help get your vehicle back on the road, fast.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our mechanics or stop in at a Kwik Kar near you. We are always happy to accommodate our drive-in customers.