Why Is It Important to Have Your Battery
Serviced Regularly?
The battery is one of the most important components of a car. If
it's completely depleted or badly damaged, it can render your entire vehicle
useless. This is because your car needs electric power from the battery to
start the engine. Besides powering the ignition system, your battery is also
responsible for keeping all the other electrical components in your vehicle
running, including the lights, windshield wipers, power windows, and
infotainment system.
If you don't check your car battery regularly, it can run out unexpectedly
and prevent your vehicle from operating. It's important to note that your
battery tends to deplete at a faster rate in extreme temperatures, which is why
starting problems are more common in winter. If you cannot start your vehicle
just outside your home or workplace, it'll probably cause you only a little
inconvenience. However, if your battery suddenly dies while you're driving on a
highway or an empty rural road at night, you may find yourself in a dangerous
situation.
Besides causing starting problems, a weak or faulty battery can
also result in damage to other parts of your vehicle. When your battery isn't
working properly, your vehicle's system will automatically put extra pressure
on the starter and alternator to produce enough electric power to keep
everything running. As these components draw excessive voltage to make up for
the lack of energy in the battery, they may end up malfunctioning. This can
lead to a sluggish or damaged engine, which can be costly to repair.
Regular battery maintenance is important because it ensures your
battery will always have enough charge to keep your vehicle and its electrical
parts in good working order. As such, you won't encounter any unpleasant
surprises or face expensive electrical-related repairs.
How Often Should You Service Your Battery?
Generally, a car battery can last for three to five years.
However, it may have a shorter or longer lifespan depending on a number of
factors, such as the weather, frequency of car usage, and driving environment.
To make sure your battery won't run out suddenly, have it checked and serviced
at least twice a year. If you live in a place with extreme weather conditions,
it's recommended that you bring your vehicle to a service center for battery maintenance in late spring
and late fall.
What Are the Signs Indicating It's Time to
Replace Your Battery?
It's essential to keep an eye on the condition of your car battery
so that you won't be stranded in the middle of nowhere with a vehicle that
won't start. The following are a number of telltale signs suggesting it may be
time to get a new battery:
- Slow starting
engine: The components in your
car battery will sustain wear and tear and become less effective over
time. When this happens, the battery will take a longer time to produce a
charge for the ignition system. If you have to wait several seconds for
your engine to start, it may be an indication that your battery is about
to die.
- Check engine
light: When the check engine light comes on, it can mean just about anything,
including a low battery. In this case, the only way to find out what
exactly is wrong with your car is to get a professional inspection.
- Electrical
issues: As mentioned earlier,
the battery supplies power to all the electrical components in your
vehicle. If it's losing its charge, some of these components may not work
properly. Dim lights, slow power windows, or inconsistent audio output can
all be a sign of a weak battery.
- Bad smell: An internal short or damaged component can cause
your car battery to leak gas. If you notice a rotten egg smell when you
open the hood, you're likely dealing with a leaking battery.
- Corroded
connectors: A white, ashy substance
forming on your battery's metal parts is an indication that you have a corrosion issue. If left unattended, corroded terminals can
cause voltage problems and prevent your car from starting.
What Happens When You Bring Your Vehicle
to Huffines Kia Corinth for a Battery Service?
The service department at Huffines Kia Corinth will go the extra mile to make sure your
vehicle's battery is in optimal condition. Our comprehensive battery service
begins with a visual inspection of your battery and the area around it. Our
technician will look for corrosion, leaks, and damaged parts to determine whether
your battery is in good condition. Then, they'll clean the terminals, cables,
and surfaces of the battery.
Next, the technician will check the electrolyte level in your
battery and top it up if necessary. After that, they'll check the charge of the
battery to see if it needs to be recharged or replaced. If you need a new
battery, the technician will carefully remove your old battery and install a
high-quality OEM battery in your vehicle. The entire process of
servicing your battery takes only 15 to 30 minutes.
To provide you with the best auto service
experience, Huffines Kia Corinth also offers value-added bonuses such as hand
car washes, professional detailing services, extended pick-up hours,
after-hours drop-off, and available rental cars. Contact us today to make a battery service appointment.
