A good day is when you turn the key in your car's ignition and the engine comes to life. A bad day is when you turn that same key and...nothing happens If you've ever been in a situation where the battery in your car goes dead, you know how frustrating it can be. But how can you make sure this doesn't happen?
Usually, a good battery will last around 4-5 years under average conditions. Remember that "average" means the battery isn't subjected to extremes in temperatures and it's attached to a reliable charging system. But there's a few things that can be a fast drain on battery power. When your car first starts up, it usually takes a good amount of power to get the engine going. At this point, the charging system needs to start to replenish power. But if you're driving short distances constantly, the battery never gets an opportunity to fully recharge. Also, heavy vibrations can shake loose the battery, so try to watch those potholes.
So how can you keep things in check with your battery? Unfortunately, the most obvious sign of a problem is the battery going dead. It's not a bad idea to look at replacing the battery entirely after 3 years have passed. Also, if you usually just do short trips in the car, take it out occasionally for a Sunday drive. Also, pop the hood and visually inspect the battery if possible. If you see corrosion or stains, there's most likely a leak. If you don't have the time to check it, call the pros at Clarke Automotive Systems. We proudly service Del Rio, Riverview and Brandon, Florida, as well as surrounding areas.