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Auto Battery Basics in Walnut Creek, CA; How Often Should You Replace? Is it a Dead Car Battery or Something Else?

From time to time, everyone will experience a drained battery. A down battery will make the vehicle inoperable since it is a necessary element to the vehicle. Though a battery will need a replacement in some cases, the bad battery can be rejuvenated in most situations with a simple jumpstart, fortunately. Today, we at Calderon Tow & Auto would like to discuss the fundamentals of the auto battery.

How Frequently Should You Replace Car Battery?

The auto battery generally lasts about 6 years, although it there are comes circumstances that can lessen its life expectancy. When you operate headlights and interior lights or other electronics with the engine off is a prime example, but the lifespan is often reduced due to multiple discharge/recharge cycles. Avoid unnecessary draining by ensuring you turn the headlights and interior lights off as well as leaving the electronics plugged in like GPS, cell phones, or others to protect the battery.
When you notice a slow cranking on startup or seeing the Battery Warning Light illuminate on the dashboard, the battery is likely running out of juice. Should the vehicle electronics like remote locks or interior lights randomly stop working, it could indicate the battery is losing its charge. Since the battery acid and other corrosive materials are hazardous, proper disposal of a spent batter is essential.

Does the Weather Affect Your Car Battery?

Extreme weather conditions can negatively impact the performance and the lifespan of the auto battery. Because the heat in these climates evaporate the battery solution, those living in warm weather climates will likely experience a battery the lacks the ability to hold a charge. Commonly, quite a few people will fill the battery with water to compensate the loss, this is not the correct solution to the problem since the water contains minerals and impurities that can damage battery cells. A rotten egg smell manifests from the solution’s sulfur. If this applies to you, the battery should simply be replaced, and this tactic needs to be avoided. Because extremely low temperatures will freeze a battery, the cold reduces the solution’s ability to transfer full power, the cold winters other people may face often experience their vehicle is having difficulty getting started. A common misconception as it cannot assist vehicle computers regulate the amperage that is required for startup, installing a battery with a higher CCA (cold cranking amp) rating is ideal.

Is it a Dead Battery or Something Else?

There is an assortment of parts that can cause similar symptoms, though the dead battery is often the stem of potential issues. When the same symptoms appear as a dead battery, but there is also a clicking sound as you turn the key could be a faulty starter motor. If the engine is on the battery won’t recharge, the alternator fails. When the electricity flow is prevented from the worn-out spark plugs or clogged fuel injectors or worn-out spark plugs or if the battery terminals are coated with corrosion are common imitators of complete battery failure. You can clean the terminals to restore the battery’s performance using a wire brush or steel wool.

Towing & Roadside Assistance in San Mateo, San Francisco, Daly City & Colma, CA | Greater Bay Area of California

Call Calderon Tow & Auto if in the event you find your batter has failed, we can provide a safe and reliable jumpstart or a toe should the battery be completely dead.

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