The battery is one of the most important components in your vehicle but also one of the shortest-lived. On average, your battery will need replacement every three to five years. As your CDR dealer, we'd like you to know a few signs that it's time to visit us for a new car battery.
Check Battery Light
The check battery light illuminates in response to any problem in the electrical system. Sensors in the system monitor each component and are sensitive enough to detect the slightest changes. This information is sent to your vehicle's computer, which logs the information and activates the warning light. A failing battery will trigger this light if its voltage output drops too low.
A healthy battery has a voltage output of approximately 12.6 volts. If it drops to 12 volts, this signals a problem. It could be as simple as a loose battery connector reducing the battery's recharging ability, or it could be the more serious problem that the battery is failing. Our technicians will connect your computer to our diagnostic system to identify the issue, then we'll repair it.
Loose Battery Connectors
The battery is connected to the electrical system by two connectors. The connectors are tightly screwed onto the terminals to enable electricity to pass into and out of the battery. These connectors can move slightly due to the slight vibrations generated as you're driving. In time, these vibrations can loosen one of the connectors and disrupt the battery's ability to supply power and recharge.
A minute gap between the connector and the terminal will severely redu​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ce the power flowing to the battery. The battery uses a fixed amount of power to start your engine, and if it doesn't replace this power completely, it will gradually weaken and fail. We'll examine the connectors and tighten them securely to fix this issue.
Bloated Battery
If you pop the hood and your battery looks bloated or distorted, it's failing. The chemicals inside the battery are protected by the thick plastic casing. Extremely hot or cold temperatures over an extended period will alter the chemicals inside the casing and cause permanent battery damage. This is particularly true in a battery over three years old, as the chemicals inside it are already breaking down.
Hot temperatures will cause the electrolyte inside the battery to boil and create bulges in the casing. Cold temperatures cause the electrolyte solution to partially freeze and expand, forcing the battery casing outward in the process. We can't repair this type of damage, but we can replace the battery.
If your battery is weakening, contact our service center today at Ziegler CDR of Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo, MI.