Common Car Battery Troubles and How to Fix Them

Dead car battery being jumped in a vehicle

4 Reasons Car Batteries Die and how to fix Them in Dayton, Ohio

Batteries are the core of every vehicle’s electrical system. Paired with the alternator and starter, your vehicle’s electrical system is a delicate system that needs consistent power to operate the lights, sensors, and computers that keep your vehicle moving. Over time, car batteries lose strength and can leave your vehicle unable to start if not addressed. Today we’ll look at several reasons car batteries die, and how to tell if it’s time to replace it. If you are experiencing problems with your car’s battery, Jamie’s Tire & Service in Dayton, Ohio has the tools and experience to test and diagnose electrical concerns on all makes and models.

Top 4 Reasons Car Batteries Fail

Problem: Parasitic Electrical Draws

Modern cars and trucks have a complicated system of electrical components, like lights and sensors, connected by over 5,000 feet of wire. Sometimes, these components draw power even when the vehicle is turned off. When this happens, it slowly drains the battery, and can leave your vehicle unable to start. Parasitic drains on car batteries also put unnecessary wear and tear on the battery, which can cause it to fail early.

How to Fix Parasitic Draws on a Car Battery

Fixing a parasitic car on a car electrical system requires a careful inspection of the wiring and sensors in your vehicle to locate the source of the problem. Faulty electrical components and incorrectly installed aftermarket accessories like lights and radios are often the source of a battery-draining parasitic draw. With the proper tools and experience, the technicians at Jamie’s Tire & Service can perform an electrical system diagnostic and a battery test to find where the electrical system is at fault.

Problem: Extreme Temperatures

Extreme hot and cold temperatures are another cause of battery failure. At Jamie’s Tire, we frequently see batteries that are starting to age give out when we experience warm summer temperatures or cold temperatures in the winter. Car batteries are designed to work in a wide range of temperatures, but as they age, they lose strength.

What To Do When Your Car Won’t Start In The Cold

If you have trouble starting your car in the cold or heat, it may be time to replace the battery. At Jamie’s Tire & Service, we recommend having a battery test performed to check the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), which is how we measure the battery’s ability to start a car in cold temperatures. If the battery tests lower than its recommended level, it is time to replace your battery with a new one. In the meantime, having the car jump-started is often enough to get the car running and get it to a repair shop.

Problem: Corrosion on Battery Terminals

Corrosion forming on battery terminals is a common problem that happens naturally over time. As the battery runs, the acid in the battery releases hydrogen gas that reacts with the metal, air, and other particles around the battery terminals. Over time, this buildup of corrosion will block the connection between the battery terminal and connector, causing a weak current.

How To Fix and Prevent Battery Terminal Corrosion

When you notice corrosion forming on the terminals of your car battery, it’s best to fix the problem rather than let it continue to grow. At Jamie’s Tire & Service, we can perform a terminal cleaning service that will remove any corrosion from the battery. After we clean the car battery terminals, we reconnect the wires and spray the exposed metal with a protective film that will slow and stop corrosion from occurring.

Problem: Old Car Batteries

Just like other parts of your car, batteries wear out over time and lose their ability to hold a charge. Most car batteries last between 4 to 5 years, but there are many variables that affect battery life. At Jamie’s Tire & Service we see batteries that go on for much longer or die prematurely due to the factors we discussed above. A properly cared for and maintained battery will provide you with years of reliable use, so maintenance and inspections are important.

Car Battery Care and Replacement in Dayton, Ohio

Dead car batteries are something most drivers experience at some point in life, but with proper maintenance and testing, Jamie’s Tire & Service in Dayton, Ohio, can help you avoid being stranded in your vehicle. When we perform an oil change on your car, we check the battery strength and connection along with many other areas under the hood. If we notice the battery is testing poorly or starting to show signs of age, our team will let you know and provide you with the best options for battery replacement or cleaning. If you notice your car has trouble starting or needs a jump start to get running, we are here to help. Whether it’s a parasitic draw or just an old battery showing its age, we will replace your battery with a reliable product that will help your car run smoothly.

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