The average life of a car battery is three to five years under normal operating conditions. Extreme heat or cold and electrical system issues can reduce this lifespan. Fortunately, a battery almost always shows signs it’s weakening, giving you time to get a replacement. As your Honda dealer, we want to tell you a few signs you’ll need to visit us for a car battery replacement.
Signs You Need a Car Battery Replacement at Your Honda Dealer
Slow Starting
When you think of battery problems, slow starting is probably the first that comes to mind. The battery provides the initial electrical charge that powers the starter to crank your engine and begin combustion. This charge uses a relatively fixed amount of power. As a battery ages, the chemicals inside break down, reducing its electricity storage capacity.
If its storage capacity drops low enough, the battery can’t supply enough power to the crank. You’ll hear a sad-sounding metallic clicking noise as the starter tries and fails to crank. We’ll test your battery and install a new one if it’s failing.
Weak Alternator
Once your engine is running, the alternator, a mini electrical generator in the engine, starts recharging your battery. It charges at full capacity for ten minutes and then switches to charging at a lower rate to prevent damaging the battery. An alternator will wear out, and the power it supplies will drop.
The alternator is also responsible for powering all electrical systems in your Honda. Eventually, a weak alternator won’t be able to supply enough power for all the systems that demand it, reducing the electricity that can be supplied to the battery. If the battery can’t replenish the power used to start the engine, it will gradually weaken and fail. Our technicians will check your alternator and replace it if needed.
Dim Headlights
This is one of the early signs of a weakening battery that can’t supply enough power. When the engine is off, the battery supplies power to all your car’s systems. This doesn’t cause any drain on a healthy battery, but a failing battery won’t have enough electricity stored to provide for all the systems.
A weak battery can supply enough power for systems to work, but not enough for them to work correctly. If more power is needed, the amount of electricity supplied to other systems has to be reduced, and the headlight will dim rather than shine brightly. Replacing the batter will fix this issue.
If your battery is weakening, contact us today at Columbia Honda in Columbia, MO.
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