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How to Know When to Replace Your Vehicle’s Battery
There is no clear cut answer as to how long your vehicle's battery will last, but there are some general guidelines you can keep in mind to know when to start considering a replacement. To start, the life of a battery varies depending on time, heat, and vibration. Let’s take a look at each of these.
Time
Vehicle batteries age over time and do have a finite lifespan. Even under the most ideal operating conditions, batteries gradually deteriorate until they can no longer provide the necessary amount of power to start an engine. Vehicle usage patterns also contribute to battery aging. Vehicles that are driven mostly on short trips may not allow the battery to fully recharge, and batteries in vehicles parked for long periods naturally discharge.
Heat
Heat creates the chemical reaction batteries need to generate electricity, while also speeding up the rate that the battery degrades at. In chillier climates, a car battery may last five years or longer while in southern locales a three year battery life is more typical. Batteries live in the harsh underhood environment where temperatures can exceed 200 degrees in hot weather. To protect the battery, some auto manufacturers mount the battery in an isolated area, put in a heat shield over the battery, or relocate the battery outside the engine compartment.
Vibration
A final important factor in the vehicle's battery life is vibration which leads to physical breakdown of the internal battery parts. To minimize the impact of the vibration, specific hardware secures the batteries in place and prevents them from moving about. Missing or loose hold downs can significantly shorten the battery's life.
Ed Martin Chevrolet, your ANDERSON, IN Auto Service Center
When your vehicle needs a new battery, set up an appointment with Ed Martin Chevrolet to get a hassle-free replacement. Our team of auto service professionals will perform a battery check and install your new battery in a quick and effective manner. We look forward to working with you!