A surprising number of roadway breakdowns are caused by a dead car battery. As winter approaches, breakdowns become more common and more dangerous, so Kalispell Alignment & Auto Repair in Kalispell, MT, wants to help you understand—and avoid—the most common causes of dead batteries. This NAPA Auto Care Center has a team of ASE-certified repair technicians who are dedicated to providing the highest-caliber work and quality customer service, whether you're in for a simple oil change or extensive engine repairs.

The 4 Most Common Causes Of Dead Car Batteries

1. Loss Of Water

Hot weather, cold weather, and overcharging can cause your car battery to lose water, which is crucial to the chemical reactions that result in a battery's electrical charge. Low water levels can inhibit current flow, and although most modern batteries claim to be maintenance free, it is always a good idea to check your battery's water levels regularly.

2. Age

As batteries age, they lose their charging capacity and eventually fail. If your car battery is five years old or more, it may be losing its ability to hold a charge. If your car is becoming harder to start, you should consider getting a new battery before the old one dies and leaves you stranded.

3. Loose Cables Or Corroded Terminals

If your battery cables are loose or corrosion has coated your battery terminals, your car may not start even if the battery is fully charged. Electricity may simply not be able to reach the starter because corrosion or loose connections have impaired the circuit. Remove the cable connectors, scrub away any corrosion or debris coating the terminals, and tighten the cable connectors firmly in place.

4. Sulfation

Sulfation—the formation of lead sulfate crystals, which leads to a reduction of the battery current—occurs as car batteries sit for long periods without charging. The deeper the discharge and the longer it sits, the worse it gets, to the point where the battery is irreparable. A trickle charger, which replaces the battery's charge at the rate it self-depletes, can prevent this.

Kalispell Alignment & Auto Repair in Kalispell, MT, specializes in top-quality auto repairs and speedy oil changes. Visit their website for contact information, or call (406) 755-0234 to schedule a battery replacement or winter tuneup.