A battery malfunction can happen any time, and it can usually happen in one of two ways. It may come with advanced notice, or your battery may die without warning. When a battery suddenly stops working, a bad battery cell is usually to blame. However, in other cases, you can detect a battery issue before it becomes an emergency.
If you need your car battery replaced, bring it to Performance Kings Honda’s service center. Our service technicians can replace your old battery and get you back on the road. Give us a call at (513) 791-9090.
So, what exactly is the function of a car battery, and why is this component so important?
You could say that the battery is the starting point of the vehicle’s operation, as it provides the initial energy needed to get the engine going. The battery has two initial tasks. First, it powers the vehicle’s starter in order to get the engine moving. Second, it provides electricity for the ignition system. In addition to helping you start your car, the battery keeps all of the electrical components in your vehicle running.
Every vehicle requires an appropriate battery that is the right size, has the correct reserve capacity, and produces enough cold cranking amps to start the engine.
It’s important to understand the average life cycle of a car battery because age is one of the main factors of a battery’s functionality. Depending on the type of battery and the conditions in which it is used, a battery will last about four years on average. In ideal conditions with no extreme temperatures or high humidity, a battery can last up to six years.
Extreme conditions can shorten your battery’s lifespan. For example, internal battery discharge increases when the temperature is above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If a new battery were exposed to a temperature of 110 degrees for 30 days straight, it would not be able to crank an engine.
Conversely, cold weather can also be detrimental to a battery’s performance. In low temperatures, the chemical reactions in the battery cannot make the same amount of energy that they would in a battery that is warm. A battery that is heavily discharged may even freeze in sub-zero weather.
So, if you live in an area with long winters or hot summers, your battery’s lifespan will be shortened slightly. It is recommended that you start paying attention to and checking your battery after the three-year mark.
When keeping an eye on your battery’s condition, you may encounter issues that indicate that it’s time for a new battery. Here are some symptoms to look out for:
If you notice that the engine is starting to turn over more slowly than usual, it is because a worn battery is taking longer than normal to create a charge for the starter.
If you see that your vehicle’s lights are not as bright as they were before, this means that the battery can no longer provide enough energy to run all your vehicle’s components simultaneously.
If you can smell rotten eggs coming from under the hood, you are smelling hydrogen sulfide, a poisonous gas. This can happen as a result of damage to the battery. Do not hesitate to have it replaced.
There are occasions when a faulty battery causes the check engine light to come on. If you see this light on your dashboard, make sure to get a diagnostic test to rule out any battery-related issues.
The culprit of this symptom is usually not actually the battery, but a malfunctioning alternator, which places strain on the battery and reduces the battery’s lifespan. For this reason, when you replace your alternator, you should have the battery tested and/or replaced.
If your vehicle is exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged time, the battery case can swell and crack, rendering the battery useless.
As discussed in the previous section, old age is one of the culprits for battery malfunction. All automotive parts wear out over time, and your battery is no exception.
Additionally, you may encounter an ash-colored, powdery solid forming on and around your battery posts and terminals. This can also lead to poor electrical conductivity, but it may not mean that your battery needs to be replaced. Have a technician check it out. In some cases, the problem can be addressed by cleaning the battery and terminal ends.
Keep in mind that batteries in newer vehicles might not show the tell-tale signs of impending failure, so routine checkups are a good idea if you want to avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.
A faulty or dead battery can easily become an unexpected headache. To avoid this, make sure to have your battery tested when you bring in your car for service at Performance Kings Honda’s service center. Our technicians will perform a diagnostic test and determine the condition of your battery, as well as suggest an appropriate course of action if they find that it needs replacement.
Performance Kings Honda invests in our technicians so that they have the knowledge and skills needed to properly care for your vehicle. To ensure that you get the best possible service, our service technicians pursue ongoing professional training in order to better understand the needs of today’s cars. Make sure to schedule a service appointment today!
Having to deal with a dead battery when you need your vehicle can be a big hassle. However, if you keep an eye out for the signs of a failing battery, you can avoid jump-starting your car, getting stuck in the middle of nowhere, or waiting for roadside assistance.
*Semi-Synthetic Oil Change is plus tax and shop supplies. Please see service advisor for complete details.
