Whether you’ve accidentally left the interior light on overnight or have simply done several laps around the sun, there’s nothing convenient about a flat car battery. Sadly, replacing a car battery isn’t as simple as chucking a couple of AAs in the TV remote, so this month we’re taking a closer look at the tell-tale signs of a battery on its way out, and the importance of having an expert do a car battery replacement it for you.
How often should I replace my car battery?
Time is the nemesis of car batteries. While most manufacturers provide an expected lifespan of between three and five years, a range of factors influence how long your battery will last in practice, including quality of installation, climate, exposure, battery type, driving regularity and style. If you’re driving a vehicle with Idle Stop Start (ISS) technology, your vehicle will be equipped with specialist batteries that are designed to cope with the increased electrical loads required for repeated restarting after being stationary.
These batteries may have a different lifespan to those of vehicles without ISS technology, depending on your driving conditions and use. Battery packs in hybrid vehicles generally continue to hold their charge for up to eight years before degradation starts to take hold.
How do I know if I need to replace my car battery?
How often should you replace a car battery? There are a few tell-tale signs that your battery needs replacing. Here are a few of the most commonly encountered:
- Car is hard to start, turns over slowly or not at all – especially if your starter motor clicks instead of starting your vehicle.
- Dim headlights, slow indicators and other electrical issues.
- Corroded connectors, or terminals coated with excessive discharge.
- A distorted, swollen or leaking battery case.
If you notice any of the above, test your battery or bring your vehicle into us at Cox Auto. Don’t get stuck on the side of the road by ignoring your car’s calls for help! While car batteries don’t last forever, our specialist technicians can help you get the most out of your battery life. We’ll test and diagnose your battery concerns, giving both you and your car the premium service experience you deserve. You’re welcome to recharge your own ‘battery’ with our complimentary coffee while you wait!
Replacing a car battery is no longer as simple as taking the old one out and popping in a new one. Modern vehicles rely on complex computerised electrical systems, with varying components – from the engine control module through to transmission, security and navigation systems – that rely on
constant power to retain memory. Car batteries that aren’t configured according to detailed vehicle manufacturer guidelines have a shorter life, suffer from under-charging and may even significantly damage your car’s electrical system. Our strong recommendation is to call your roadside assist service if you’re stuck by the side of the road with a dead battery, or to get your vehicle in to see our experts as soon as you notice any early tell-tale signs of battery failure.
That said, if you absolutely need to change your own car battery, here are some basic steps to get you going. Always read your vehicle’s instruction manual before attempting to replace a battery, ensuring you have selected the appropriate replacement, and always ensure your vehicle is powered off before working with the battery. We recommend wearing gloves and safety glasses for best protection.
1. Locate and disconnect your battery
- Take a photo of your battery before you start so you can refer back to it if you need later on.
- Using a ring spanner, remove the negative (-) terminal connector and cable first.
- Then remove the positive (+) terminal connector and cable. It’s worth marking the positive cable with a texta or some tape, as both cables are often the same colour.
2. Remove clamp and battery
- Most car batteries will be held in place by a clamp to prevent any movement. Remove the clamp and lift the battery from your vehicle, taking care to keep it upright at all times.
3. Inspect terminals and tray for corrosion or damage
- Clean or replace any components as required.
4. Install new battery
- Carefully place the new battery in the tray and firmly apply the clamp.
- Connect the positive (+) terminal connector and cable first.
- Connect the negative (-) terminal connector and cable.
- Tighten terminal connectors until they are firm, but not tight.
Leave it with us
Our specialist technicians provide the highest quality workmanship and customer service for all your car servicing needs. We regularly check your battery health as part of your car’s regular servicing and maintenance program, but if you notice any warning signs in the meantime, let us know and we’ll take care of you and your car.
