The car battery is one crucial component of any vehicle which keeps the vehicle running. The battery is actually a device which provides the vehicle with the necessary power to start the engine. It also makes the other electrical systems in a vehicle working. Replacement and fitting of car batteries is a crucial aspect of maintaining any vehicle. In the following sections of the blog post let us explore all the crucial aspects related to car battery including recognising the signs of a failing battery and extending the life of a new battery. This discussion is surely going to prove helpful for you along the road ahead.
Basics of car batteries
How do car batteries work? The battery used in any automobile stores electrical energy which is required to start the engine. When the engine is not running the car battery also powers the various electrical systems of the automobile. Broadly you can categorise these batteries into two parts, namely lead acid batteries and lithium ion batteries.
More commonly used ones are the lead acid variety which is also more reasonably priced than lithium ion ones. The average life of any car battery depends on a number of factors including the local climate, an individual’s driving techniques and habits, the maintenance of a vehicle and others. Taking all these factors into consideration a car battery usually lasts anywhere between three and five years after which it requires a replacement says a professionals who deals with car battery replacement in the UK over the years.
Symptoms of a failing battery
Slow cranking of the engine is one of the most common symptoms of a failing car battery. When the battery of your vehicle is actually giving way you will notice a clicking sound every time you turn the ignition key. The engine will also be little slow to come to life. In more severe cases of a failing battery the headlights as well as the interior lights of the vehicle will go dim. Moreover there can be an unusual odour of the battery inside the vehicle, corroded terminals of battery and even a warning light blinking on the dash board. In these circumstances it could be necessary to replace the existing car battery with a new one. However the best thing to do is to consult an expert and have the existing battery inspected at the same time. Let the professional determine whether the existing battery really needs a replacement.
Replacing a car battery
As far as replacing a car battery is concerned, there are only two options – either you can do it yourself or get the job done by a professional. As such, the task does not involve rocket science and so if you want, you can do it yourself DIY. Here are few tips to make the task easier.
- Turn the engine off and open up the hood
- Locate the placement of the battery and identify its positive and negative terminals
- First it is important to disconnect the negative terminal followed by the positive one
- In the next step you may have to remove any bracket or clamp that holds the existing battery in its place
- Lift the existing battery out of your vehicle and keep it in a safe place
- Now it is time to place the new battery in the identical position as the old one
- Experts who perform car battery replacement at home DIY suggest in reverse manner this time you have to reconnect the positive terminal of the battery first followed by the negative one
- Test the new battery to make sure it is working correctly
If you think you are not comfortable doing the job yourself DIY then you should get a professional do it for you.
How to extend the life of a new car battery
To get the most out of your car battery you must take proper care of it and maintain it the right way. Here are a few tips to make the task easier for you.
- You should always keep the battery clean and free from corrosion
- Do not let the vehicle remain idle in the parking lot for days together without turning on the ignition
- When the engine of your vehicle is not running you should better turn off all the electrical systems
- Have your battery tested at regular interval to ensure it is working smooth
Recycling and disposal of car batteries
Once the old battery is replaced and the new one is in place you have to think about proper disposal of the old battery. It is important to mention in this context that car batteries contain chemicals that are highly toxic. These toxins must be disposed properly otherwise those are likely to harm the environment suggest professionals who deal in car battery in London. Usually when you buy a new battery for your vehicle the retailer offers a battery recycle programme which is your easiest way to dispose the old battery in the proper way. Alternatively auto shops and recycling centres accept old and used car batteries to facilitate recycling.
Car battery replacement cost
Car battery replacement could be costly. The price of a new car battery varies between products and is often guided by certain factors. Some of the factors include the following –
- The exact type of battery a vehicle needs
- The make and model of a vehicle
- The location of the dealership from who you purchase the new battery
Even the pricing structure you automobile mechanic follows affects the price of the commodity to a large extent. As far as the United Kingdom is concerned the standard price of replacing a car battery usually ranges from £80 to £300.
Lead acid batteries are commonly used in the overwhelming majority of vehicle. This tyre of car batteries is cheaper than the other variety or lithium-ion batteries. But lithium-ion batteries have a longer life and offer a better performance than lead acid batteries. On the other hand, batteries used in luxury cars are usually much costlier than the batteries used in standard vehicles.
When you buy a car battery from 24hr Mobile Tyre Repair London you should not ignore proper maintenance of the vehicle. When are able to recognise the signs of a failing battery and replace it along with providing a proper care to the new battery you ensure your vehicle starts reliably and runs smoothly.