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Imagine, a bitter cold, winter morning, you’re running a bit late and you go to start your car and all you hear is a click. That’s not fun. At all. Now because batteries do so much for us when we’re not looking, we’ve got to help them. This means turning off all interior and exterior lights when exiting your vehicle and unplug any power adaptors too. Get your battery tested regularly. Why not, it’s free! Stop by any of your neighborhood Hilltop Tire Service Centers for a free battery test today. No appointment necessary.

What are the warning signs of a failing car battery?

“If only I knew sooner.” Yep, that’s what we all say and luckily with batteries, there are warning signs and symptoms that will let you know that your battery may need replacing soon. Here are a few signs to look for:

1. Slow starting engine. You may notice that it takes longer than usual to start your engine. It may make a “rur rur rur” sound which means it is taking the battery longer to create a charge for the starter.
2. Check engine light appears. The check engine light can mean many different things, but it can come on if your battery power is weak.
3. Dim lights and electrical difficulties. The battery powers many electronic components in your vehicle, from the headlights to the dashboard computer to your radio. If your battery is starting to fail, it won’t be able to run everything at full power. The more things you have going or plugged in while driving, like your phone charger, DVD player, and radio, the faster your battery will die.
4. Bloated battery case. Pop the hood, if your battery looks like it just ate a large meal, chances are your battery has gone bad or is about to go. This is caused by excessive heat, making the battery swell and loose battery life.
5. Eww, what’s that smell? If you notice the smell of rotten eggs when you open the hood, your battery could be leaking gas.
6. An old battery. When was the last time you replaced the battery? Over three years for a battery is considered old age. Many batteries last longer than three years, in fact, the average life span for a battery is 3-5 years. However, climate, driving habits and electronic demands all play into the lifespan of your battery.

How can I make my car battery last longer?

Regardless of the climate and your driving habits, properly taking care of your battery is key to extending the life of your battery. Here’s how you can make your battery last longer.

1. Avoid short trips. Every time you start your vehicle, your battery takes a hit. So if you’re only driving short distances, your battery doesn’t have time to recharge to its full power again.
2. Keep it clean. Make sure the top is clean and free of debris and grime. Overtime battery terminals will corrode. Use an old toothbrush dipped in baking soda and water mixture to scrub the terminals. Then wash it off with a spray bottle of water and dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth.
3. Charge it. You can hook up a battery charger once a month in the summer and every 3 months in the winter to ensure your battery always has a full charge.
4. Minimize power used while your engine is off. Accidentally leaving your lights on after you turn your car off will substantially drain your battery.
5. Don’t leave your vehicle unused for long periods of time. Over time your battery will naturally discharge.
6. Avoid heat. Most drivers think cold weather is hard on batteries. While car batteries do have to work harder to start your car during the colder months, the reason why so many batteries die during the winter is generally from damage sustained during the previous summer.

Ask one of our knowledgeable service advisors at Hilltop Tire Service today to test your battery so you know how much life is left. If it’s good but needs a maintenance service, our experts will clean it up and make sure the connections and cables are good. If it’s looking like it needs replacing, he’ll help you with a battery that is right for your vehicle and driving needs. See you soon!