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.