Your car battery is responsible for providing the electrical power your vehicle needs to start. If it dies, you won’t be able to move your vehicle without a jump or more intricate car battery services. However, if you know the causes, you have a better chance of avoiding these issues or at least seeking out professional car battery services before it’s too late.

5 Potential Causes of Car Battery Failure

1. Leaving Accessories on While the Car Isn’t Running

If you’ve put the key in the ignition but haven’t started your car yet, then all of its features run using power from the battery. Leave the lights or the radio on for a lengthy period of time, and the battery can simply run out of juice before it has the chance to recharge. Additionally, if you leave a door open or the headlights on when you turn the vehicle off, it can run the battery down without you even realizing it.

2. Switch Issues

Car batteries use relay switches to manage circuits. If one of these switches is faulty, it could tell the battery to continue supplying power even when the vehicle is off. This allows it to easily run out of power even if it isn’t powering anything you can see.

3. Corrosion

Over time, the acid in your car battery may start to corrode the connections if there’s not enough power running from your alternator to keep it charged. If this is the case, you might notice a white or blue buildup or powdery looking substance near the connections under your hood.

4. Cold Weather

Cold temperatures should not cause a strong battery to fail, but they may cause batteries to lose a small percentage of power. If yours is already weak or older, winter weather may push it over the edge. That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in preventative car battery services before the season starts.

5. Time

Car batteries tend to last for about five years. However, it might be less if you go for long stretches without driving or if there are extreme temperature shifts in your area. It’s important to keep track of how long you’ve had yours and bring it in for an expert opinion if yours dies at any point.

If you need any car battery services, the professionals at Hudson Tire & Battery can help. The Harrison, AR, auto repair shop is equipped to help drivers with everything from strut replacement to car alignment. With over 60 years in business, the locally owned and operated shop employs experienced mechanics who take pride in offering friendly and personalized service at an affordable price. They also carry an extensive inventory of batteries and tires for those in need of replacement options. View a full list of services on the company’s website or call (870) 741-2740 to request service.