Everything You Need to Know About Your Car Battery

Car batteries do not last forever, unfortunately, and wear out over time due to the materials and chemicals that they are made of. Manufacturers generally recommend that drivers change the batteries of their vehicles at least once every two to three years because this is the average lifespan of most car batteries. When a car's battery has reached the end of its lifespan, a driver may notice several warning signs that they need to change the battery of their vehicle. However, car batteries can also die suddenly and unexpectedly. Therefore, it is important for drivers to routinely inspect the batteries of their vehicles.

A battery inspection is a service that involves checking the overall condition of a vehicle's battery and measuring the amount of power that the battery is producing. Due to the range of features and technologies that are included with vehicles, different vehicles require different amounts of power from their batteries. A technician will identify how much power the battery of your vehicle should produce as they inspect the vehicle's battery. During a battery inspection, a technician will also make sure that your vehicle's battery isn't damaged or leaking.

Replacing the battery of a vehicle is usually a quick process that requires minimal tools. The batteries of most vehicles can be replaced by disconnecting the old battery from the vehicle's cables and removing the battery from where it is held. Once the old battery is removed from the vehicle, the new battery can be placed into the vehicle and connected to the vehicle. When you replace the battery in your vehicle, make sure that you replace it with the proper battery. There is a variety of car batteries that are available on the market for vehicles, but you can find the battery that is right for your vehicle by reviewing the owner's manual of your vehicle. At Gerry Lane Cadillac, we can identify the battery that your vehicle needs and replace the battery for you as well.

If the battery of your vehicle dies while you are out on the road, don't panic. You can jump-start your vehicle to get it running again if the vehicle's battery isn't completely worn out. Vehicles that are equipped with automatic transmissions have to be jump-started using jumper cables or jumper boxes. However, a vehicle with a manual transmission can be jump-started by placing the vehicle in its neutral gear and pushing the vehicle.

There are several ways that you can remain prepared to deal with a dead car battery. Regularly checking the power output of your vehicle's battery will allow you to identify when the battery is getting weaker. However, you should always keep a set of jumper cables or a jumper box in your vehicle. A set of jumper cables is an excellent tool that will allow you to get your car running again quickly. However, a jumper box is a better option for you to have in your vehicle in case its battery dies in an area where other drivers are unavailable to help you.

Keep your vehicle's battery properly maintained so that your vehicle can perform its best. In addition to routinely inspecting your vehicle's battery, you should replace the battery when you notice that it is worn out and isn't producing as much power for your vehicle. At Gerry Lane Cadillac, we have a selection of car batteries in our inventory so that our customers have the parts that they need for their vehicles.  Visit our dealership so that we can service your vehicle and inspect its battery for you.