Maintaining your car’s battery is vital to keep it running smoothly. A functioning battery is essential to any vehicle, from starting the engine to powering the lights and radio. Knowing when and how to get your battery serviced or repaired can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your car running safely and reliably. Let’s take a look at why regular battery service is essential.
Why You Need Regular Battery Service
Your car’s battery should be checked regularly, as it tends to deteriorate over time. For your car’s battery to last as long as possible, it must be serviced regularly. This includes checking the charge, cleaning off corrosion from the terminals, ensuring that all connections are secure, and testing for issues such as weak cranking or low voltage output.
Battery service also helps maintain the life of other components in your vehicle. If you don’t perform regular maintenance on your car’s battery, it could lead to problems such as headlights or interior lights not working properly or even cause you to get stranded if your engine won’t start due to a dead battery.
The Signs That Your Car Needs Battery Service
If you notice any of these signs, it could be time for a new battery or repair service: slow crank when starting; dimming headlights; difficulty starting in cold weather; intermittent electrical system issues; corrosion buildup on terminals; swollen or bloated case around cells; foul odor from under the hood; dead cell(s) in the battery; or visible cracks in the casing. It’s also important to check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations on how often you should have your car’s battery serviced or replaced.