10 Key Facts You Need to Know About Your Car Battery

We usually don't think about our car’s battery until the car won't start. Although car batteries can last for years, they often fail at the worst possible time. 

Several factors can cause a battery to fail. Understanding how your car’s battery works and knowing what to do when it dies can help you get back on the road quickly.

 

Here are 10 important factors you need to know about your car battery:

 

1. Battery must be checked during vehicle maintenance

During regular vehicle maintenance, make sure your mechanic checks the battery’s voltage. Even if there are no obvious issues, checking the battery can prevent unexpected failures. Aim to check your battery at least twice a year, preferably before summer and winter, to ensure it can handle temperature changes.

 

Read: 10 Signs of Poor Car Maintenance

 

2. Weather impacts your car battery

Car batteries use a liquid solution to stay charged, and the weather can influence how well they retain power. Hot weather can cause the solution to evaporate, while extremely cold weather can reduce the battery's efficiency. Although it takes very low temperatures to freeze the solution, batteries still perform poorly in the cold. 

To help your battery in winter, consider using a battery warmer or avoid short trips. A 10-20 minute drive can warm up the battery and keep the solution flowing.

 

3. Your car battery can die if you don’t drive often

Most car batteries can last at least two weeks without being charged. If you’re not driving your car for longer than that, make sure to start it up once a week to keep the battery charged. Frequent recharging of a completely dead battery can lead to increased wear and tear on the battery.

 

4. Car batteries last about 3-5 years

Car batteries typically last between 3-5 years, depending on your driving habits and weather conditions. Once your battery is three years old, it's important to have it regularly checked to ensure it’s still in good condition and won't die unexpectedly. This is especially crucial if you live in extreme climates or frequently take short trips.

 

5. Car batteries need water to function

Car batteries contain water to prevent sulfate buildup on the electrodes. If you smell rotten eggs under the hood, it might be time to refill the battery water. Be cautious and avoid using regular tap water, as impurities can damage the battery's cells. Use demineralized or deionized water instead.

 

6. Clean corroded batteries with baking soda

You can extend your car battery's life with some simple maintenance, such as cleaning off corrosion with baking soda. Corrosion can prevent your battery from working properly and moisture on the corrosion can cause a short circuit, preventing your car from starting. To clean the corrosion, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water and scrub the corrosion away with a strong brush.

 

7. Car batteries should not be disposed of in the trash

When it's time to get rid of an old car battery, don’t just throw it in the trash. Car batteries contain harmful chemicals that make them toxic, so they can’t be disposed of with regular waste. 

Typically, your mechanic will handle the old battery when installing a new one. If you’re replacing the battery yourself, check with your local waste disposal authority to find out how to properly dispose of it.

 

8. Swollen batteries are dangerous

Swollen batteries, often caused by overcharging or overheating, are hazardous. If you notice your car battery is swollen, do not drive the vehicle. The acid inside could explode, causing damage to your car and potentially injuring you. Have a mechanic remove and replace a swollen battery as soon as possible. Overcharging might indicate a problem with the alternator, which should also be checked. Frequent short drives of less than 20 minutes can prevent your battery from fully recharging, which can shorten its lifespan.

 

9. Follow the correct order while connecting and disconnecting charging cables

Sometimes, you might need to jump-start your car with cables from another vehicle. It's crucial to connect and disconnect the cables in the correct order. Always attach the negative cable last and remove it first. This is because the negative cable is connected to a ground point away from the battery to prevent sparks and short circuits.

 

Read: How to Boost Your Car

 

10. Battery and alternator have different roles

While both the battery and alternator are part of your car’s charging system, they serve different functions. The battery provides the electrical charge needed to start your vehicle, while the alternator keeps the battery charged as you drive. 

Understanding this distinction is important; if your car won’t start, a jump start may help if the problem is with the battery. If the battery is fine, the issue might be with the alternator.

 

Signs your battery might be failing

 

If you notice any of these issues, it’s a good idea to have your battery inspected:

• Warning lights: The check engine light or oil level warnings could indicate a problem with the battery.

• Slow engine cranking: If the engine turns over slowly and takes longer to start, your battery might be weak.

• Low battery fluid: A low fluid level in the battery, often due to heat, should be checked.

• Swollen battery case: Overheating can cause the battery case to swell, which shortens its lifespan.

• Corrosion at terminals: Corrosion on the battery terminals can prevent starting but can be cleaned off with baking soda and a brush.

• Rotten egg smell: A smell resembling rotten eggs around the battery suggests it might be leaking.

In summary, understanding your car battery is crucial for ensuring reliable performance and preventing unexpected breakdowns. By knowing the key signs of battery issues and following best practices for maintenance and disposal, you can address problems early and avoid inconvenient failures.