The battery is often one of the most neglected parts of a car, as you usually only take a look at it once it has stopped working. A car can be brought to a screeching halt if its battery dies, so it’s important to take a look at your battery every once in a while to mitigate the risk of it dying in inconvenient situations. There are very few warning signs that anything may be wrong until it’s too late, so learning what to look for can give you a significant advantage and help you save time and money.
What Are the Warning Signs?
The clearest sign that your battery needs attention is that the battery light appears on your dashboard. Malfunctioning electrical components and longer waiting times while starting the engine are also less-commonly known signs of a depleted or malfunctioning battery. If either one or both of these happens repeatedly, it’s time for your car to get looked at.
When Should I Get My Battery Checked?
As a general rule, it’s recommended to get your battery checked around twice a year. Where you live can contribute to the frequency of checkups, as extreme cold or heat can affect your battery. If your battery is on the older side, say 3 to 5 years old, it’s also a good idea to go and get it looked at or get a new one entirely. Outside of standard practices, certain scenarios, such as a long road trip can warrant a trip to the mechanic to get your car looked at. You don’t want to end up on the side of the highway in the middle of the night with help not being as readily available.
Call the Professionals
At Ken Scales Automotive, we proudly work to get you safely back on the road as quickly as possible. We know your time is valuable, and we try our best not to waste it. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
