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Why Are Batteries Important?

Your battery may be the most important piece of equipment under your hood. Without the car battery, nothing else works. Even a brand new vehicle won’t make it out of the driveway if the battery has gone bad.  Obviously, you want to replace your battery before the point of failure to prevent being stranded. But how do you know when it’s time to replace? It’s difficult to know for sure, but there are some helpful guidelines to follow when it comes to battery lifespans.

How Long Do Batteries Last?

On average, car batteries will last 3 to 4 years under normal conditions. Normal conditions would mean that the battery goes through full charge cycles, isn’t subjected to extreme temperatures, is attached to a reliable and consistent charging system and isn’t being over-used for accessory power. Obviously, no one drives under perfectly normal conditions all the time. Short drives down the road happen, your car experiences vibration driving over gravel, you use your windshield wipers in the snow and rain, and temperatures can reach extreme highs and lows.

How Do I Know That My Battery Needs To Be Replaced?

If your car battery is more than three years old but your car hasn’t shown any trouble turning the engine over when you put the key in the ignition, there is still another way to tell if your battery is failing. Start your car at night and turn the headlights on. If your headlights look like they aren’t as bright as they could be, put the car in park or neutral and rev the engine. If your car’s battery is failing, the headlights will appear brighter as you pump the gas. After more than four or five years, most car batteries are almost totally unreliable. At this point, it would be wise to skip the battery check and go straight to purchasing a replacement.

Lake Ridge Auto Care Does Battery Replacement in Woodbridge, VA

If you are concerned about checking the battery yourself, stop by Lake Ridge Auto Care for a battery check during your next regular vehicle maintenance appointment. If your battery has reached the end of its lifespan, we can recommend and install a brand new battery for you.

Your automobile's battery is vital to start your engine. Battery recycling can minimize the resources needed for manufacturing brand-new batteries. Allow our team of mechanics to help you in deciding on the right battery for your vehicle. We can also safely and professionally install your battery and get you back on the road. Come in today for all your battery care needs.