Car Battery & Spring: 7 Things You Need to Know
Spring is here! The days are getting longer, the weather is now warmer, and it’s time to start thinking about getting your car ready for the new season. One important aspect this time around concerning cars is the battery, which already took a beating during the winter months.
To help you, we’ve compiled a list of seven things you need to know about maintenance practices for your car battery this spring.
1. Test Your Vehicle’s Battery.
As the weather warms up, have certified auto technicians test the battery. They can determine if your battery is still in good shape or is time for a battery replacement.
The battery has to put out both voltage and amps. There are instances that it could have plenty of voltage but not enough amps—you will need those cranking amps to start your vehicle.
2. Be Mindful of Your Car Battery’s Lifespan.
The average lifespan of a car battery is around six years. So, if you’re approaching the six-year mark, you need to have your battery tested more often.
The lifespan, though, can vary depending on a number of factors. For example, using too many accessories or not driving your car frequently can shorten that lifespan. Additionally, extreme weather conditions and tons of short road trips can also have an impact.
3. Be Cautious of Using a Battery That’s Over Six Years Old.
While it’s possible for a battery to last longer than six years, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Aged batteries are more likely to die, and you don’t want to be caught off-guard in the middle of the road.
4. Check the Alternator, Too.
The alternator is responsible for recharging the battery while the car is running. So, if it’s not functioning correctly (say, 13 volts instead of 14.7), the battery may not get enough charge to maintain optimal performance. This can lead to the battery draining more quickly than it should, potentially shortening its lifespan.
Additionally, if the alternator is overcharging the battery, it can damage the battery, which also shortens the battery’s lifespan.
5. Clean the Terminals.
Battery acid that “grows” on terminals creates more resistance, which can cause your battery to work harder than it needs to. Thus, make sure to clean the battery terminals regularly to keep your battery functioning at its best.
If you’re not comfortable cleaning the terminals yourself, stop by our express lube shop in Antigo, WI, and we’ll clean the terminals for you as well as check other electrical parts.
6. Pay Attention to Slow or Weak Starts.
If it sounds like the starter is dragging—meaning it takes longer to start the vehicle—it could be a sign that your battery is weak. Don’t ignore this warning sign! Stop by Little Wolf Automotive so that we can inspect the battery. We can also test and clean the cables.
7. Consider a Trickle Charger.
A trickle charger is one type of battery charger designed to provide a low, steady charge to a car battery over an extended period. You can always leave the trickle charger plugged in—it will just turn off when the battery is fully charged.
A trickle charger can help keep your battery healthy and extend the battery’s lifespan. This is especially true if you use your car infrequently (which is usually the case during winter) or only drive on short trips.
Get Your Car Battery Ready for Spring with the Help of Little Wolf Automotive in Antigo, WI
If you need someone to check your battery to see if it’s okay or needs a replacement, you can always go to Little Wolf Automotive in Antigo, WI. Our experienced technicians can help keep your car running smoothly and safely not only in spring but all year round.
Contact us today at (715) 350-4287. We are conveniently located at 1436 Neval Road, Antigo, WI 54409.
