Car Battery Service in Hollywood, MD

When do I need a new car battery?

 

Your vehicle’s battery is essential for powering up your car’s electrical system, from starting the engine to running the lights, radio, air conditioning, and other accessories. However, just like any other part of your vehicle, your car's battery doesn’t last forever. Understanding when your battery needs to be replaced can prevent inconvenient breakdowns and ensure your car’s performance stays at its best.

Signs It's Time to Replace Your Car Battery

There are several key indicators that it may be time to replace your car battery. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s important to have your battery checked immediately to avoid being stranded:

• Difficulty Starting the Engine: If your car struggles to start or the engine takes longer than usual to turn over, it may be a sign that your battery is weakening. A battery that is near the end of its life can’t provide enough power to start the engine efficiently.
• Dimming or Flickering Lights: If your headlights or interior lights are dimming or flickering while driving, the battery may not be providing a consistent charge. This can indicate an issue with the battery or the charging system.
• Excessive Corrosion on Battery Terminals: A buildup of corrosion on the battery terminals can be a major sign that the battery is nearing the end of its life. Corrosion can prevent the battery from charging properly and may even cause electrical issues.
• Swollen Battery Case: A battery case that is swollen or bloated is another indication that the battery is damaged or old. This can be caused by overcharging, excessive heat, or natural aging.
• Check Engine or Battery Warning Light: If the check engine or battery light on your dashboard comes on, it could be an early warning sign that your battery is struggling to hold a charge.

How Weather Affects Your Car Battery

Just like any other vehicle part, your car battery is vulnerable to extreme temperatures. In fact, temperature extremes are one of the leading causes of battery wear and failure.

• Cold Weather: Cold temperatures can reduce a battery’s ability to generate power. In fact, cold weather can increase the amount of energy required to start your vehicle, leading to a higher chance of failure in older or weaker batteries.
• Hot Weather: High temperatures cause water in the battery's electrolyte to evaporate. As a result, the internal fluids of the battery become imbalanced, which can lead to increased corrosion and reduced battery lifespan.
• Temperature Fluctuations: Seasonal changes that cause rapid temperature fluctuations can place additional stress on your battery. This causes internal wear and could lead to a failure when you least expect it.

Maintenance Tips for Prolonging Battery Life

Regular battery maintenance can extend the life of your battery and ensure that your car performs reliably. Here are a few tips to help you care for your battery:

• Inspect Battery Terminals Regularly: Check the battery terminals for any signs of corrosion, dirt, or loose connections. Clean any corrosion with a mixture of baking soda and water, and make sure the terminals are tightly connected. Loose connections can prevent proper charging.
• Test Your Battery Regularly: Have your battery tested periodically, especially before the start of each season. A professional battery test can help detect weak or failing batteries before they leave you stranded.
• Ensure the Battery is Secure: A loose battery can lead to vibrations, which can cause internal damage. Make sure your battery is firmly secured in its tray to prevent excessive movement.
• Turn Off Accessories When Starting Your Car: To reduce strain on the battery, turn off accessories like the radio, air conditioning, and headlights when starting the car.
• Keep the Battery Clean and Dry: Moisture and grime can build up on your battery over time, especially in the areas around the terminals. Keep the area dry and clean to prevent corrosion.

What Happens When Your Car Battery Dies?

When your car battery dies completely, it can affect more than just starting your vehicle. A dead battery means your electrical system isn't receiving any power, which can result in:

• No Power to Electronics and Accessories: Your headlights, radio, air conditioning, and other electrical systems will stop functioning. A battery that has completely failed can’t provide power to any of these systems.
• Stalling: If your battery is already weak, you might experience stalling while driving. This happens because the alternator can no longer supply enough power to keep the car running.
• Alternator Damage: If you continue driving with a weak or dead battery, it could lead to additional strain on the alternator, which is responsible for charging the battery. This may cause damage to the alternator, leading to costly repairs down the road.

Common Problems That Can Arise with a Weak Battery

Several problems may arise when a battery starts failing. These issues can range from minor inconveniences to major safety concerns:

• Alternator Failure: If the battery is not holding a charge, the alternator will have to work harder to compensate, which could eventually lead to alternator failure. Replacing a faulty alternator can be far more expensive than replacing a battery.
• Electrical System Failure: A weak battery can cause your car’s electrical systems to malfunction. This includes everything from dashboard warning lights to more critical systems like power steering or brake assistance.
• Engine Not Starting: A car with a dead battery will not start at all. This is one of the most common issues with old or faulty batteries, and it's often the first sign that the battery needs to be replaced.

What To Do If You Think Your Battery is Failing

If you’re noticing any of the signs mentioned above, don’t wait until your car is stranded on the side of the road. Visit Tom Hodges Mitsubishi for a thorough battery inspection and replacement if necessary. We offer complete battery services, including testing, cleaning, and installation of new batteries to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

You can also take advantage of our battery service specials to ensure that you’re getting the best price for your battery replacement. Let us help you keep your vehicle in top condition with expert battery care from our professional service team.

For any questions or to schedule a battery inspection, contact us today at Tom Hodges Mitsubishi in Hollywood, MD. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we’re here to ensure your car is always ready to go when you are.