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The battery in your vehicle converts chemical energy into electrical energy to power several components of your vehicle. When you insert the key in your car’s ignition and turn the switch or push the button to ‘ON,’ a signal is sent to the car’s battery. Without battery power, your vehicle will not start. On average, your battery will last 3 to 5 years, but driving habits and exposure to extreme elements can shorten battery life. There are some key warning signs that your battery life is coming to an end.  

 

•Your check engine light may come on when your battery is running out of charge. You should have it tested by a mechanic and get a replacement if needed.

 

•Your battery will take longer to create a charge for the starter. You will have to try several times to start your engine. A slow start is usually the last gasp before your battery life ends. 

 

•When your battery is losing charge, the electrical components of your vehicle will not perform fully. Radio, dashboard light, headlights, power windows, etc. may not function. 

 

•Notice a white, ashy substance on the metal parts of your battery? You’ve got a corrosion issue. Corroded terminals: the positive and negative metal connections on the top of the battery can lead to voltage issues and trouble starting your vehicle.

 

•If you smell rotten eggs when you open the hood of your vehicle, a leaking battery is probably the reason.  A damaged battery or an internal short can cause the battery to leak gas. 

 

•Exposure to extreme weather (heat or cold) can cause your battery to swell and crack. Your battery should be fully rectangular. Extreme weather elements can reduce the lifespan of your battery. 

 

 

Don’t get stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery. Once you replace your vehicle’s battery, its lifespan depends on how long it can hold its charge as well as how long it’s capable of being recharged. Once it can’t be recharged, it’s dead. At Alignment Center and Alaska Car & Truck in Anchorage, AK, we have a full line of batteries from top brands, for just about any vehicle. We can test your current battery as well as the charging system to make sure everything’s working properly. Make an appointment with Alignment Center and Alaska Car & Truck in Anchorage, AK today for battery service.