Regular battery replacement is a part of good car maintenance. With proper care, an average car battery can last up to 5 years of regular use before it needs to be replaced. Read on to learn how and when to replace the battery in your vehicle.
When to Do a Vehicle Battery Replacement
Most mechanics will tell you that it is ideal to replace a car battery every three years. However, there are certain instances when you need to replace the battery earlier. The following are common signs that you need to replace your car’s battery.
The engine is sluggish when starting
Low battery fluid level
Check Engine Light appears
Dash lights flicker or go dim when starting the car
Swollen, bloated battery case
Excessive corrosion at the battery terminals and cables
Battery leaks
How to Get Your Battery Replaced
It is often practical to schedule a professional battery inspection before having it replaced. Most car and engine shops include this as a regular service during routine maintenance but some charge a small fee. Garages usually use electronic testers to determine the remaining charge of your battery and will recommend replacements if the battery has shown signs of wear and tear, low charge, or if it has not been replaced in the past three years.
A new battery can set you back around S$140 and the shop may charge around S$70 for the replacement. This is fairly standard and a reasonable cost for a battery that can last you for another 5 years.
Caring for Your Battery
Proper battery care can go a long way towards getting the most out of your vehicle’s battery and extending its lifespan. Regular engine maintenance can go a long way towards ensuring that the engine does not put too much strain on the battery. It is also important to not leave the lights or air conditioning on while the vehicle is switched off. Doing so can easily drain your car battery especially if the vehicle is left in this condition overnight.
Advantages of Regular Battery Replacement
Regular battery replacement is an important aspect of car maintenance. If your car is running on old batteries you may have issues with starting up. Poor battery power can affect the performance of the features in your car. Old car batteries also pose numerous safety risks that you can easily eliminate by making sure that batteries are replaced on time. Most importantly, old car batteries expose you to the possibility of roadside breakdowns that are often dangerous and sometimes embarrassing. Replacement of vehicle batteries is inexpensive and the small cost of replacement is all you need to spend to avoid these risky roadside breakdowns.
