Just about everyone’s had the miserable experience of getting in your car, turning the key and realizing your battery is dead. Talk about no fun at all. But if you regularly maintain your battery and replace it when needed, you can avoid the dreaded dead-battery experience.
While there’s no definitive answer, as the life of a car battery depends on many factors, including usage, proper maintenance and even where you live, the typical lifespan of a battery is between 3-5 years.
Signs your car battery needs to be replaced include:
Difficulty starting your car – A weak or dying battery may cause problems when attempting to crank the engine, especially during cold weather.
Dimming lights – Your headlights, taillights, and other bulbs may not shine as bright. This may also simply mean you need new headlights!
Dashboard warning light – Your dashboard may display a battery warning light if it detects a failing battery.
Rotten egg smell – The not-so-lovely aroma of rotting eggs under your hood indicates a leaking battery.
Inability to start your car – If your battery has completely kicked the bucket, your car won't respond when you turn the key.
When you’re unable to start your car — commonly known as getting it to ‘turn over’ — it can be difficult to know if the culprit is the battery or the starter. Here are some tips:
If you hear a humming or rapid clicking, it’s likely the battery.
If you hear a single click, it could be the starter.
If your lights are working but the engine won’t start, it’s likely a starter problem.
If you can jump-start your car using jumper cables and another car’s battery, it’s a battery problem.
Yes! You can have your battery tested at any location. What’s more, your Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers technician will visually inspect your battery and battery cables as part of your 20-point courtesy inspection that’s included with every signature 10 minute oil change. If you simply need a new battery installed, we can perform this service and have you back on the road in no time!