
Most people wait until their car battery dies before they decide to replace it. The survey of 1,000 drivers showed that 53 percent of the group waited until they were stranded by a dead battery and then had to call for roadside assistance.
While the battery is a simple, relatively inexpensive device, it is essential. If it doesn’t work, you aren’t going anywhere. So it pays to check your battery regularly and replace it before it dies.
A car’s 12-volt battery stores electricity used to briefly turn the car’s engine until it starts and runs. Then, the engine’s power turns to the alternator, which generates electricity to recharge the battery so it can start the car again next time. The battery and alternator are part of the car’s electrical system, working together to power the headlights, radio, horn, and other electrical devices.
The cost of a battery for most new cars ranges from about N20,000 – N30,000, although batteries for some cars equipped with the “stop-start” feature (which shuts the engine off when the car is stationary in order to save fuel) would be much more.
Here are the five things that will help you avoid a dead battery:
1. Avoid A Dead Battery By Knowing Your Battery’s Age:
Most cars require 12-volt batteries that last from three to five years. Therefore, you should know how old the battery is so you can replace it before it fails. Hopefully, you kept the receipt or noted the date when you bought your current battery. Or, perhaps you bought your car new so the battery was also new at that time. But if you are like many people, they bought a car without knowing the age of the battery. Well, it’s time to find how old it is now.
Open your car’s hood and locate your battery, which is usually in the right front of the engine compartment. In some cases, the manufacturer places an easy-to-remove plastic cover over the battery. If you’re lucky, you will see a simple circular sticker on the battery with the date in this format: “5/20,” meaning ‘May 2020’. However, other batteries should have a plastic strip with a code on it.
If the battery has no date code, you are forced to judge the battery by its general appearance. If it appears old and has white corrosion around the terminals, you will definitely want to get it tested (see No. 3 below).
2. Look For The Warning Signs Of A Dead Battery:
You might notice that when you turn the ignition key, the engine cranks slowly. This could be a sign that your battery is about to die. Another telltale sign is to turn on the headlights when the engine isn’t running. If the headlights look dim, the battery could be on its last legs.
In some cases, a battery will die without any warning at all. If your car won’t even turn over (there might be a clicking or buzzing sound coming from the electrical system), check first to see if the battery was drained because you left the lights on, or some other electrical device. Once the car is jump-started, it could start, run and seem reliable. But the battery will probably fail again shortly, so replace it as soon as possible.
3. Get A Battery Test:
Most chain auto parts stores will test the battery for you, this is really important if you want to avoid a dead battery. Replacing the battery yourself is possible but not recommended for novices. The connections are often corroded and difficult to loosen. Then, lifting the heavy battery out and installing the new one requires a feat of strength.
4. Replace Your Battery Before It Leaves You Stranded:
If your battery fails the test or it is cranking slowly, replace it. Use a mobile battery service or go to an auto parts store. The parts clerks will use a battery fitment guide to tell you what your car needs. Batteries are often sold with three-year, four-year, or five-year warranties. Since the battery is a vital part of your car, it is recommended to buy from top brands.
5. Maintain Your Battery:
Do a visual inspection to check for corrosion around the battery terminals. Look for a chalky white substance that might affect proper electrical conduction. Clean the terminal with a wire brush and coat it with grease before reconnecting the battery. The grease prevents corrosion and improves the electrical connection.
When performing maintenance on a battery, work in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves and eye protection. If battery acid gets on your clothes or skin, quickly neutralize it with a solution of baking soda and water. Never lean over a battery when charging, testing, or jump-starting an engine.
In conclusion, the performance of modern batteries has improved and they will perform better for a longer period of time. But they still have one flaw: It’s hard to predict when they will die. So regularly inspect your battery and replace it before it lets you down.
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