Car Battery Replacement in Pasadena, Texas
When people talk about car maintenance, the last thing they usually think about is the battery. Maybe the fact that it starts the engine and keeps the car's electrical systems running doesn't seem like a pressing matter. But if you ignore the health of your car's battery, you could find yourself in the middle of the road with a dead battery and nothing to do but wait for help.
At Monument Chevrolet, we try our best to educate our clients on the importance of car battery replacement, installation, service, and inspection. What's more, we offer best-in-class battery replacement services throughout Pasadena, Texas. So, if you haven't checked the current condition of your car's battery or need to replace it as soon as possible, there's no better place to do it than Monument Chevrolet.
How Long Do Car Batteries Last?
The average car battery lasts three to five years, but it's hard to estimate because it varies from driver to driver. Your car's battery life depends on several factors, including time, heat, and vibration. In other words, the weather, daily car usage, and maintenance habits affect the battery's life expectancy.
For example, someone who lives in a place with extreme weather conditions needs to closely monitor the battery — and the heat of the whole car — because the battery is more likely to fail earlier due to the harsh environment. So, even though the average battery starts to fail after the third year, you should always take your car for recommended maintenance to keep everything under control.
Factors That Shorten Your Car's Battery Life
Your car's battery will die eventually, and there's nothing you can do about it. However, you don't want to do things that will send your battery to the other side before its time. Factors such as inactivity, frequent short-distance driving, hot weather, and power usage with the ignition off will drastically reduce the life of your battery.
Leaving the car in the garage to collect dust or using it for very short trips is the easiest way to damage the battery. When you don't use the battery enough, it weakens and begins to collect fluid, which causes a buildup and later corrosion.
Hot temperatures, like the ones we get during the summer in Pasadena, Texas, are another factor that shortens your car's battery life. Hot weather causes your battery to work twice as hard to keep things running as they do under normal weather conditions.
Leaving the power on when the ignition is off is a common mistake that can cost you battery life. That's why it's highly recommended that you ensure your car is properly turned off before leaving it. This means not leaving any lights on or the key in the ignition.
How Can You Tell if Your Car Battery Needs Replacing?
People who ignore their car's battery usually find out a split second too late that it needs to be replaced. The good news is that if you pay attention, your car will tell you something is wrong.
This method only works if you drive a new model with advanced technology features. Modern cars can now send a warning to the digital cluster if there's a problem with the battery. Depending on the car's model, it may show you a battery-shaped red icon.
A good way to know if your battery needs to be replaced is to pay attention to the car's performance. When your battery is about to die, the engine will take longer to crank, and the ignition will take twice as long to turn over. So, if your car takes longer to start, it could be a sign that your battery is compromised.
Another way to tell is to look at your car's headlights and interior lights. If they're not as bright as they used to be or glow brighter when you accelerate, it's a clear sign that your battery needs to be replaced. Corrosion and a foul odor under the hood also indicate something wrong with your battery.
What Happens if You Keep Driving With a Bad Battery?
Driving with a bad battery is highly inadvisable, and we urge you to seek help as soon as possible. A bad battery can cause all kinds of problems for both the car and the people in it. Your car can die anywhere at any time, and if you plan to travel with a battery in this condition, you may not make it to your destination in time.
The longer you put off replacing the battery, the higher the risk of electrical failure and serious damage to other car components. Not to mention the safety hazard, as driving with dimmed lights is very dangerous.
Tips for Preserving Your Car's Battery
Preserving your car's battery comes down to proper care, such as never missing your recommended maintenance visits and avoiding anything that could shorten the life of your battery. Typically, cars need a battery check after the first year, but we recommend asking for one at every oil change. This is especially true if you live in harsh weather conditions or your daily car use is above average.
Get Your Battery Replacement at Monument Chevrolet
At Monument Chevrolet, we're proud to offer car battery installations, services, replacements, and inspections. Our highly trained team of technicians are the people you want to call when you need a battery replacement. We're happy to help you keep yourself safe and your car healthy. If you live in Pasadena, Texas, and you need automotive services, we invite you to come and visit our dealership or contact a member of our team for a more personalized experience. Don't forget to keep checking our website for more helpful information, our specials, and can't-miss discounts.
Walmart EverStart Car Batteries, Battery by Mike Mozart is licensed with CC BY 2.0