Does Your Car Battery Need an Auto Electrician?

Your car battery is a critical component of your vehicle’s electrical system, and it’s important to keep it in good condition to ensure reliable operation. The last thing anyone wants is a vehicle refusing to start due to a completely dead battery. Knowing what to look for means you can have an auto electrician take a look at your car battery before its too late. Let’s take a look at some common signs that your battery needs an auto electrician.

Common Signs of a Failing Car Battery

Here are some common signs that your car battery may be failing:

Slow engine crank: If your engine cranks slowly or takes longer than usual to start, it may be a sign that your battery is losing power. You might also not be able to start the vehicle which can be the result of a completely flat or dead battery.
Dim headlights: If your headlights are noticeably dimmer than usual, it could indicate a weak battery. The same goes for your cabin lights however this can be harder to catch due to them only being used for short periods.
Electrical issues: A failing battery can cause various electrical problems, such as flickering lights, malfunctioning power windows, and radio static. If you notice issues popping up with all of your electrical components, it’s time to bring it in.
Unusual smells: If you notice a sulfuric or rotten egg-like smell coming from your battery, it could mean that it’s overheating and potentially dangerous. If you are concerned about operating the vehicle in this state, it is a good idea to engage a mobile auto electrical service.

What Is The Average Life of a Car Battery?

On average, a car battery lasts between three and five years, depending on several factors such as:

Climate: Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can shorten battery life. This is definitely a factor in South East Queensland where temperatures can soar during summer.
Driving habits: Short trips and frequent starts can put more strain on your battery than long drives. If you live in the city, you might find yourself having your battery replaced more often.
Maintenance: Regular battery maintenance, such as cleaning the terminals and checking the fluid level, can extend its lifespan but we have found this is rarely carried out.

Factors That Shorten Car Battery Life

While it’s not always possible, it is a good idea to avoid these pitfalls in order to extend the longevity of your car battery:

Lack of maintenance: Neglecting your battery can cause it to degrade more quickly. Cleaning terminals and checking levels only takes a few minutes.
Extreme temperatures: As we discussed earlier, excessive heat or cold can damage the battery’s internal components so plan your drives accordingly.
Excessive idling: Idling for long periods without driving can put a strain on the battery. If you use your car for services such as Uber, this can be a common occurrence.

How to Tell If Your Car Battery Is Low

If you suspect your battery is low, you can check its voltage with a multimeter. We would only suggest this if you are confident in your own safety around electrical components.

Turn off your car’s engine and all electrical accessories.
Connect the multimeter’s positive and negative leads to the corresponding battery terminals.
Set the multimeter to DC voltage and check the reading. A healthy battery should show between 12.6 and 12.8 volts.

If your battery’s voltage is below 12.4 volts, it may be time to have it checked by an auto electrician. Make sure you let us know what your findings were when you bring it in as it gives us another metric to evaluate.

Concerned That Your Car Battery Is On The Way Out? Bring It To Bashi’s!

Your car battery may not be the most glamorous part of your vehicle, but it’s certainly one of the most crucial. By knowing the signs of a failing battery and taking steps to keep it healthy, you can avoid the hassle and expense of unexpected breakdowns. If you notice any of the signs mentioned in this article, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a trusted, experienced auto electrician.

Our qualified auto electricians can quickly ascertain the state of your car battery and make recommendations as to repair or replacement. We also operate a mobile auto electrical service if you find yourself with a car that wont start or seems like it won’t be running for much longer. To talk with one of our auto electricians about the state of your car battery, call us on 07 5495 7333 or click here to contact us.