When considering how often auto battery replacement is needed, you’d be surprised to know that it’s roughly 3 to 4 years.

The average age of a battery failure in the Elizabeth Pa area is 3 ½ to 4 years. This is just the average and many batteries fail earlier and some even later. So to make sure you don’t get surprised by a sudden no start condition. Elizabeth Auto Care certified mechanics check your battery every time you come in for any auto repairs or maintenance. Even if your battery is testing OK, we’ll still recommend replacing it around 4 years old just to make sure you always get where you’re going; nobody likes the emergency caused by a dead battery!

Auto Battery Replacement Service When You Need it Most

Let’s face it: you can have the most meticulously maintained vehicle on the road, but it won’t start without a decent battery. Today’s cars rely heavily on computers to run every electrical system, and these computers need clean, consistent power to not only allow your car to start, but keep running. Car batteries that are old, weak and leaking acid can cause serious damage to electrical components like wiring and computers.

Signs Of A Weak Automotive Battery:

• Engine cranks slower than normal
• Clicking sound when turning the key to start instead of the normal starter sound
• Headlights dim when using electrical devices like rear defroster or blower fan
• Visible liquid or corrosion build up around battery terminals
• Bulging battery case on the sides
• Date code on battery case shows 4 years old
• Battery test is showing low Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) rating below 70% of original

Did you ever wonder how a lead acid battery actually works?

Car batteries are composed of a series of lead plates submerged in a 35% sulfuric acid and 65% water solution. The 12-volt battery houses a chemical reaction that releases electrons through conductors, producing electricity which is then channeled into your vehicle’s electrical system allowing you to start your car or operate electrical components like your stereo or lights.

The battery stores this electrical energy, the starter converts that energy into mechanical force to turn the engine for starting, and your cars alternator produces electric current to replace what the starter used during start-up and to support electrical loads when the engine is running.

Your Vehicle Starting System

The battery supplies electricity to all of the electrical system components, including the essential power required to start your vehicle. The starting system consumes more electrical power than anything else your car, which is why most battery failures are noticed when you come out to start your car. The starting system typically consists of three components working in tandem with each another: the ignition switch, the starter relay (or solenoid), and the starter motor.

Charging System of Your Car

The charging system is responsible for replacing the lost energy back to the battery from starting the vehicle. It also supplies supplementary power when driving in high demand situations at night with all your lights and power accessories on like defrosters and windshield wipers. The charging system normally consists of two main components: the alternator and the belt that drives it. The alternator system is especially vulnerable to wear damage since it is always turning many times faster than the engine and functions in a high heat environment.

All of these components require occasional attention and maintenance or auto battery replacement. It’s not always just your battery that needs to be replaced; if any of these electrical components fail, the entire system needs to be tested to make sure no other damage has occurred.

 

Batteries: Typical Wear and Tear

Maybe you left some lights on and your car battery died and needed jumped. It’s important to know that your alternator won’t be able to fully recharge that battery. You should get the battery checked and fully charged by our mechanics. Most batteries require a long slow charge rate of several hours to replenish the lost power back into the cells.

Driving habits such as frequent start and stop cycles will cause more wear on the entire electrical system than a longer drive:

1. Driving style
2. Weather conditions
3. Mileage
4. Vehicle age
5. Excessive electrical draws like in-vehicle entertainment systems
6. Running power accessories without the engine running

Since many of our customers driving in our area experience these conditions on a daily basis, we recommend replacing your car battery in Elizabeth Pa every 4 years. Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, play it safe and avoid an emergency by being proactive and thinking about auto battery replacement sooner than later.

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You’ll find below a really good video I made for you about how to jump start a dead battery the safe way with jumper cables. There’s a TON of great information there, so watch it now and you’ll be ready to handle the situation if your battery should fail on you.

Areas Served: Elizabeth Pa | Jefferson Hills Pa | Clairton Pa | McKeesport Pa | Forward Township Pa | Glassport Pa | Lincoln Boro Pa | Boston Pa | Finleyville Pa | West Mifflin Pa | Pleasant Hills Pa | Bethel Park Pa | South Hills Pittsburgh Pa and surrounding areas within these zip codes: 15037, 15025, 15135, 15132, 15131, 15045, 15332, 15236, 15122