How Often Should You Replace a Car Battery?

Are you tired of trying to find the jumper cables all the time you want to start your car? How often should you replace a car battery?  This is a question that many car owners ask because they are worried about being stranded in a parking lot or on the side of a road.  A dead car battery is a frustrating inconvenience that can be avoided.  The best time to replace your battery is before it dies.

But how do you know how often should replace a car battery?  There are several signs that indicate it is time for a car battery replacement, such as:

• Slow engine crank
• Illuminated check engine light
• The Bloated, misshaped battery case
• Battery fluid leak

The typical lifespan of a car battery is between 3 to 5 years. Depending on the climate where you live and your driving habits, you may be looking at a car battery replacement before the end of 3 years.

• How does climate affect your battery?  The heat of summer can lead to the evaporation of water in the car’s battery acid, resulting in decreased performance, subpar starting power, and a shortened lifetime.  When the temperatures are chill, your battery wants to work harder to generate enough energy to keep your car running smoothly. Icy weather can also result in thicker engine oil, which puts an additional strain on your battery.
• How does your driving affect how long your battery will last?  If you consistently take short trips like daily drives to the office and the grocery store, your battery doesn’t have enough running time to recharge fully between stops. Also, if your car sits in the garage for extended periods of time, the battery continues to drain passively even when the engine isn’t on.

Even without any warning signs, a general rule of thumb is that you should replace your car battery about every 3 years.  

Are you wondering about how often should you replace a car battery?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

How Do You Know If You Have a Bad Starter?

Just what is a starter, you ask?  The starter is a small motor, powered by the battery that starts your engine.  A starter relay sits between the battery and the starter motor, transmitting power. Without a correctly working starter relay and motor, you can’t even move your car an inch!

So how do you know if you have a bad starter?  

1. Something doesn’t sound “normal.”  One of the symptoms of a bad starter is a clicking noise when you turn the key or push the start button. Though, a starter can die without making any sound at all.
2. Lights only.  When trying to start the engine and only the dashboard lights come on, you possibly have an issue with the starter.
3. The engine doesn’t crank.  If your engine won’t start, even after a jumpstart, it’s time to call roadside assistance.  Remember this important note.  If a jump start won’t fire up your engine, nothing other than a certified technician can!
4. Smoke coming from your car.  As part of your vehicle’s electrical system, the starter is subject to blown fuses and short circuits. When you’ve been trying to start your car some times, the starter can overheat making electrical problems—and the accompanying smoke—more likely.  Call for help!
5. Oil has soaked the starter.  Pop the hood and look at your starter.  If it’s drenched in oil, you have an oil leak.  This can be a costly problem so keep an eye out for oil leaks to avoid starter problems.

So what causes starter issues?  There are some reasons, including:

• Loose wiring to and from the starter
• Dirty connections
• Battery corrosion
• worn-out parts in the starter system
• Oil leaks

Doesn’t delay to get strand somewhere before having your starting system checked out—even if your issues are off and on?

Need to know more about how do you know if you have a bad starter?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about starters, alternators and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.