Do Car Batteries Need to be Replaced Seasonally?

Should You Replace Your Car Battery In the Spring?

There is a lot to love about an Alberta winter season. However, that doesn’t mean the cold temperatures don’t take a toll on our cars. Subfreezing temperatures are tough on a lot of different automotive components, but your vehicle’s battery might suffer the most. The colder it gets outside, the harder your battery needs to work to produce energy to turn over the starter motor. If a vehicle’s battery is getting to the end of its usable lifecycle, a hard winter could be enough to require a replacement when spring arrives. Let’s take a look at a few things you should know.

READ MORE: Is it Time to Take Off Winter Tires?

Signs Your Car Battery Needs to be Replaced

Car batteries rarely just stop working out of nowhere, short of some kind of defect. As it ages and loses effectiveness, there will be a few signs that something is amiss and you may need to schedule an appointment at Fifth Avenue Volkswagen to have your battery tested and, possibly, replaced.

• Need To Hit The Gas Pedal: Modern cars are fuel injected and shouldn’t need throttle input to start. If your vehicle won’t start unless you hit the gas pedal, your battery could be suffering a little, and it might need to be replaced.
• Backfiring: A slow cranking battery could lead to fuel accumulating in the engine’s cylinders. When a spark is applied suddenly, a loud explosion could occur. This is called a backfire, and it’s a sign of a dying battery.
• Struggling To Start: If you hear your car, truck, or SUV make a constant whirring sound, like it’s having a hard time starting, this could be directly related to a struggling battery.
• Dim Lights: A tell-tale sign that a battery is losing power will be dim interior and exterior lights. If you notice this phenomenon, have your battery tested right away.
• Clicking Sound/Failure to Start: The number one sign a battery is on its last legs is when a driver turns the key and nothing happens, except a clicking sound. You could need a jump start to get going, but your first stop should be to get a new battery.

How Do You Extend the Life of a Car Battery?

Like anything else in the automotive industry, you can take a few easy steps to help your vehicle’s battery last as long as possible.

• Avoid taking a lot of short trips
• Make sure battery cables are properly fastened
• Turn off lights/accessories when the engine is off
• Remove corrosion from battery terminals
• Avoid excessive heat/cold
• Regularly drive the vehicle

It’s always better to stay ahead of automotive problems than let them get out of control, leaving you stranded somewhere. Make an appointment with our service department and we’ll help you keep your vehicle on the road, where it belongs.