At some point in your car’s lifespan, you are likely going to encounter a flat battery. Once car batteries have run flat a few times they lose the ability to hold a charge. At this point you may find yourself wondering “Where can I get a car battery replacement near me?”

Although a car battery going flat one or two times isn’t a huge issue, as it occurs more often your battery will no longer be able to hold its original capacity, eventually requiring a replacement. Car batteries often last between two and five years, but how exactly do you know when it’s time for a car battery replacement?

This is one of the many questions the experts at Hi-Mech Auto Solutions get asked about car batteries. Before we talk about the signs that your car battery needs replacing, it is important to understand how you can preserve and maintain your current one for as long as possible.

How Do I Maintain My Battery?

The battery is one of the most important parts of your vehicle, powering all electronics, including the power windows, starter and lights. Because of this, it makes sense to take good care of your car battery, so that you can continue without needing a car battery replacement.

Be Mindful of Your Vehicle’s Electricals

The electrical components of your car use the battery, but overuse and misuse can drain or even damage it. If you have ever left your car lights on overnight by accident, you have probably been greeted by a flat car battery the next morning. This is because the battery is usually charged by the alternator while the engine is on. Too much electrical use without the battery being charged can quickly lead to problems. It is best to limit electrical use while your vehicle is off, to help preserve the battery.

Take Care of Your Car

Have you ever gone a while without driving and then found that it won’t start? This happens because your car battery slowly drains over time, which means it is important to get the engine running every so often. If you usually drive short distances or don’t drive frequently, you may want to take your car for a longer drive from time to time.

Extreme temperatures, both low and high, can strain your battery, meaning you might be looking for a car battery change sooner than expected. Cold weather is particularly good at draining a car battery. Keeping your car in a garage can help prevent battery issues as a result of temperature, so it is especially important to do so during the winter and summer.

Signs Your Car Battery Needs a Replacement

Getting a new battery for a car is never something a driver looks forward to, but it is a necessary part of owning any vehicle. Not sure when to consider replacing your battery? Keep an eye out for these common signs that it may be time for a replacement.

Regular Jump Starts

One of the most common signs that you need a battery replacement is your vehicle requiring regular jump starts. If this is happening, you may want to have your battery checked by a professional, even if it is new. Don’t worry – a new battery should still be covered under warranty if it has issues.

Engine Troubles

If it often takes you multiple tries to get the engine running, your battery may be close to the end of its life. Do note that engine troubles can be a result of other issues, but if you are frequently having difficulty getting your car started, the battery is a likely culprit.

Lights Don’t Come On

Since your vehicle’s lights rely entirely on the battery to function, problems with them can be one of the first indicators that it’s time for a new battery. If you need to confirm that the battery is the cause of the problem, try turning on the interior lights as well. If none of the lights work, it is probably time to get a new battery.

Check With the Experts

The easiest way to check on your car battery’s health is to bring your vehicle around to the expert team at Hi-Mech Auto Solutions. We will run a health check on your battery and recommend the best type of new battery if necessary. Simply give our team a call on (07) 7517 0121, or book an appointment through our online form today.