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Your car relies on a battery to start up, power the lights, and run electronics in the cab. This battery’s longevity depends on several factors, including the area you live and how you drive. The auto repair experts at Muffler Brothers in Chillicothe, OH, know that most batteries need to be replaced every two to five years. Unfortunately, you might not always know when your battery is about to die. Here are a few signs that you should get it checked. 

When Should You Replace Your Car’s Battery?

Your Battery’s Lifespan

According to these auto repair pros, weather takes  one of the biggest tolls on your battery’s life. Your engine temperature ranges from 195 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit, and driving on a hot day can drain your battery. In fact, the average battery lifespan for cars in warmer regions is nearly half of those in colder areas.

A sophisticated computer system and electronics like GPS devices and Bluetooth radios put a lot of strain on your charging system. If you have a lot of different technology hooked up to your car, this auto repair shop warns that you might experience a shorter battery life.

Your driving style also impacts your battery’s ability to charge fully. It requires a major jolt of electricity to start a car, and if you make frequent trips, it takes longer to reach a full charge again. Rough travel can also jostle your battery loose, damaging the plates and shortening its overall lifespan.

Improving Battery Life

Good vehicle maintenance habits are the best way to improve your battery’s lifespan:

  • auto-repair-chillicothe-ohTest & Charge Your Battery: Use a car battery tester to check your battery’s output voltage level regularly. If your charging system is acting sluggish, bring it to your local auto repair shop to have it charged.
  • Use Preventative Tactics: Try to limit short rides that prevent your battery from fully charging between trips. Make sure that your lights are turned off before leaving, and control corrosion by keeping battery terminals clean. To lessen vibrations that can cause damage and short circuits, make sure your battery bracket is tightly fastened. 
  • Be Mindful When Idling: Limit your use of the radio, air conditioning, and other electronics while your engine is idling. These functions are battery drainers, and extended periods of idling can also wear your battery down.

If you suspect it might be time to replace your battery, bring your car in to Muffler Brothers. This family owned and operated repair shop has been serving Ross County for more than 17 years and is fully equipped to handle the toughest auto repair jobs. Call (740) 772-1890 for a full list of services like oil changes, wheel alignments, and transmission repair.

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