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What Is it?

In short, your battery is what makes your car start. It’s a little box of energy that provides power to all the electrical components of your vehicle. Without the battery, your car doesn’t  start! In technical terms, your car battery is a rechargeable lead acid battery that provides a burst of energy to your starter motor which in turn starts your engine every time you turn your key over. Your car’s battery will also provide extra energy to your car when you are running multiple electrical components at once – such as the headlights, stereo, windshield wipers, or heater.

How Does It Work?

When you turn the key in the ignition or press the ‘ON’ button in a push-to-start vehicle, your ignition sends a message to your car’s battery telling it to do its job. The battery then converts chemical energy into electrical energy which it delivers to the starter motor. The starter motor uses that energy to turn over the engine, and then you’re ready to roll!

How Long Do They Last?

On average, car batteries last approximately  3 to 5 years. However, your exposure to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), and even your driving behavior can limit the life of your car battery. This is why it’s a good idea have your battery tested at regular maintenance visits.

How Do I Know If My Battery Is Having Issues?

Most of us would rather know it’s time to replace our battery BEFORE we are stuck in the driveway unable to start our car in the morning. So here are some warning signs to look for:

• The Smell
  • If you notice a smell similar to rotten eggs (a sulfur odor), your battery may be leaking. The corrosive gunk will need to be cleaned off of your battery or your car may not start. This stuff can eat away at other engine parts too, so you’ll want to get it checked out ASAP.
• Swollen Battery Case
  • If your battery looks like it just got back from the Chinese buffet, it’s probably been exposed to excessive heat or cold, causing loss of power.
• Slow To Start
  • If your engine is turning over slower than usual, your battery could be nearing its final days. If you notice your engine struggling to start, take your car to the shop immediately! Your next attempt to start the car may result in the dreaded clicking noise – meaning you are officially out of juice and need a new battery.
• Old Age
  • If your car battery is already a few years old, it’s probably a good idea to get it tested. This could save you some grief later.

Fortunately, Franconia Service Center offers batteries and battery installations. If you aren’t having issues yet and just want to check your battery’s health, let us know and we will test it for you!