You’re running late for work, but when you turn the key, nothing happens. Once you finally get your car to the auto repair shop, the mechanic diagnoses the problem: a dead battery. While maintenance can extend the life of your battery, sometimes you just have to replace it. If you’re looking to purchase a car battery near me, rely on the experts at Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
For more than two decades, we’ve been serving the local community. Our ASE-certified mechanics perform high-quality guaranteed service with competitive pricing. Using the latest diagnostic equipment, we can service both domestic and foreign vehicles.
Are Any Maintenance Tasks Associated With Car Batteries?
Years ago, all car batteries would allow fluid to evaporate. Low levels of fluid could permanently damage your battery. Thus, one of your maintenance tasks would be to periodically check the fluid.
Today’s modern batteries are maintenance-free in the sense that you no longer have to worry about fluid levels. However, you still need to inspect the terminals for corrosion. Leaving corrosion on your terminals can block the electric current and decrease battery life.
Additionally, you should routinely test your battery to determine its remaining life. Some experts recommend checking your battery when you get your oil changed. When you’re proactive, you can reduce your chance of being stuck somewhere with a dead battery.
When you’re concerned about your battery performance, bring your vehicle to Xpress Lube. We’ll check your battery for strength and corrosion. If necessary, we can replace your battery quickly and efficiently.
Why Your Battery Needs Replacing
Unfortunately, most car owners tend to neglect their batteries. It’s one of those parts that we ignore until it’s dead. Yet, without a functioning battery, you won’t be able to start your car.
Generally, car batteries will last between 3-5 years. Often, you’ll see signs that it’s time for a replacement:
- Your car struggles to start in extreme temperatures
- It takes longer than usual to start your car
- Headlights and/or internal lights appear dim
- Check engine light or dashboard battery light illuminates
- Corrosion on the battery
Typically, the longevity of your car battery depends on the type and driving conditions. Generally, the majority of automakers use flooded batteries. However, this type of battery is susceptible to deterioration from heat and vibration. Additionally, short driving trips shorten its life by preventing the battery from recharging.
While most cars use wet batteries, some car manufacturers use AGM (absorbent glass mat). These types of batteries are resistant to the degradation of heat and vibration. Primarily, high-performance or luxury automakers use AGM batteries.
What Type Of Car Battery Do I Need?
Typically, choosing the right battery for your car is more complicated than replacing batteries in your home electronics. When you shop for a car battery, you’ll see the brand name followed by a list of letters and numbers. Some of these numbers refer to the size, reserve capacity, and cold-cranking amps.
Ultimately, you want a battery that’s the right size for your car. Comparatively, engine design varies greatly among automakers. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner manual for the correct size. Undoubtedly, using the wrong size battery can greatly affect car performance and efficiency.
Additionally, the manufacturer will list some numbers referring to the reserve capacity and cold cranking amps. Generally, you’ll want to choose a battery with a higher number for both attributes. Reserve capacity helps should your alternator fail while cold-cranking amps help start the car in cold temperatures.
Anything Else I Should Know About Batteries?
When shopping for a new car battery, you’ll find dozens of brand names. Consumer Reports advises buying a battery with the longest free-replacement period you can get.
Typically, car battery manufacturers offer different lengths of time on their warranties. Initially, manufacturers offer 100% replacement if your battery fails within a specified time. After that, most manufacturers will prorate your reimbursement.
Finally, the battery’s age is crucial. When batteries sit, they can lose strength. Thus, you should never buy a battery more than 6 months old. Typically, all manufacturers include an alphanumeric code on the battery to date their product. The letter indicates the month with A representing January, B February, and so on. While the number indicates the last digit of the year. Hence, 0 is 2010 and 1 is 2021.
FAQs About Purchasing A Car Battery Near Me
Cars are complicated pieces of machinery. Thus, you may have many questions about buying a car battery near me. We’ve answered some of our most frequently asked questions for you below.
How Much Does A New Battery Cost?
Ultimately, prices vary depending on several factors including the type of battery, specifications, and length of the warranty. Sometimes, electrical issues stem from some other part than your battery. Thus, before we replace your battery, we’ll run diagnostics on your system to ensure the battery needs replacing.
Do My Driving Habits Affect The Life Of My Battery?
Certainly, driving habits can affect the longevity of your automobile’s battery. Typically, driving less than 20 minutes per trip isn’t enough time for your battery to recharge. Hence, you should take your vehicle for a longer drive periodically to recharge your battery.
Additionally, parking your car for extended periods can drain your battery. Some components like GPS and anti-theft systems draw power from your battery even when not in use.
How Do I Dispose Of My Old Battery?
Car batteries use lead and acid, highly toxic materials, to produce electricity. Thus, you must properly dispose of it to avoid harming the environment. When you bring your vehicle to Xpress Lube, we’ll take care of your old battery for you, safely.
What Other Types Of Maintenance Do You Offer?
At Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville, we can perform over 30 common repairs:
- Transmission
- Brakes
- Air conditioner
- Exhaust
- Wheel alignment
- Electrical system
- Oil change
- State inspection
- And more!
Use our online form to set up an appointment or call us at 336-993-7697. We look forward to serving you.
