When should a car battery be replaced?

Batteries are a marvel of engineering. Lead-acid batteries, used in gasoline-powered vehicles, have been around since the earliest automobiles. Since then, he hasn't changed much. Since the 1970s, car batteries have been virtually maintenance-free.

A car battery can last up to seven years. This allows you to start the engine thousands of times without even thinking about it. But eventually the battery can't hold enough charge to start the engine.

Chapel Hill Tire customers often ask, "When should I change my car battery?"

Before we answer this question, let's go over the basics of a battery.

Your battery is charging while driving

Unlike other parts, your battery will last longer if you drive every day. This is due to the fact that with regular driving, the battery is charged. When the car is stationary, the battery is drained because it is not charging.

Another thing that might seem counter-intuitive is the fact that car batteries last longer in colder climates. HM? Doesn't cold start put a lot of demands on the battery? Yes it is. But sitting in hot weather is even worse.

Here is the science behind this process:

Let's take a look inside the battery. The SLI battery (starting, lighting, incendiary) consists of six cells. Each cell has both a lead plate and a lead dioxide plate. The plates are coated with sulfuric acid, which acts as a catalyst.

The acid causes the dioxide plate to generate lead ions and sulfate. The ions react on the lead plate and release hydrogen and additional lead sulfate. This reaction generates electrons. This produces electricity.

This process allows the battery to do its magic: hold a charge, discharge electricity, and then recharge.

Viola! Your car starts with a roar. You open the hatch, turn on the radio and set off.

Why is it bad for a battery to drain?

If you do not constantly drive your car and do not fully charge the battery, it is in a partially charged state. The crystals begin to solidify on the lead plates. When this happens, the part of the lead plate covered with hardened crystals can no longer store electricity. Over time, the overall battery capacity decreases until the battery can no longer hold a charge and needs to be replaced.

If ignored, 70% of batteries will die within four years! Constant charging and a regular driving schedule will prolong battery life.

If my car won't start...

This usually happens when you are late for work. You are trying to start the car, but the engine will not start. Does this mean you need to replace the battery?

Not necessarily.

There are other parts to your electrical system as well. (The big bone is connected to the knee bone…) Your generator spins and generates electricity to charge the battery. If your generator has stopped working, we can fix you with a new one.

Another possibility is that it is not rotating properly due to problems with the V-ribbed belt or belt tensioner. The V-ribbed belt, unsurprisingly, snakes through your engine like a snake. The V-ribbed belt is driven by the engine. The V-ribbed belt controls many things and one of them is the alternator. The aptly named belt tensioner adjusts the tension of the V-ribbed belt. If it's working properly, it generates the necessary tractive effort to keep the alternator spinning at the correct speed. Result? If your car won't start, give us a call. It could be your battery or something else.

When should a car battery be replaced?

At Chapel Hill Tire we can test your battery to see how much charge it can hold. This will give you an idea of ​​how long it will take. We also advise you to use a charger if you do not drive regularly. Let us help you extend the life of your battery.

A car battery is a serious purchase. It's not the same as replacing the AAA batteries in the TV remote. When it's time for a new one, we can help you make the best choice. It depends on your budget, type of car and driving style.

Do you drive a hybrid?

Chapel Hill Tire specializes in servicing hybrid vehicles. In fact, we are the only independent certified hybrid repair center in the Triangle. We provide comprehensive hybrid vehicle maintenance and repair, including hybrid battery replacement. (This is something you definitely don't want to do on your own.)

Our hybrid services come with the same 3 year or 36,000 mile warranty as all of our other auto services. When you compare this to your dealer's service guarantee, you'll see why we're the smart choice for hybrid drivers.

Let's go back to our original question: "When should I replace the battery?" Because there are so many variables involved, just call your nearest Chapel Hill Tire dealer. Our experts will provide information and advice on how to replace your vehicle's battery! We look forward to meeting your battery needs.

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