Battery Service
Even cars that run on gas need electric power to function properly. A well-functioning battery is essential for your vehicle's overall performance, as it helps start your engine and powers all the electric features and devices. Here at Chris Nikel Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat (CJDRF) in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, we understand the value of preventing a battery from dying on you when you least expect it, and we use our expertise to make sure it doesn't happen to our customers.
Understanding Your Vehicle's Battery
A car battery's main function is to help start your vehicle's engine. Its chemical components turn energy into electricity. It uses it to power a starter motor that turns the crankshaft, which in turn starts the engine. Once the engine is running, the starter motor disengages until the next time it's needed to start the vehicle. The battery's secondary function is to provide power for all the features that use electricity, such as the car's lights and infotainment system.
Another key component of the vehicle's battery system is the alternator. It's connected to the engine and uses its rotation to generate energy. It then uses the energy it creates to constantly recharge the battery, preventing it from becoming depleted.
Signs of a Failing Battery
Despite the alternator keeping your car's battery charged, its life span is limited and will inevitably stop working properly. Some signs that you may need to replace it soon are:
- It's over 3 years old: Although the battery's life span depends on multiple factors, most last around three years.
- Your engine starts more slowly than usual: Although there can be many reasons for this, your engine not starting as quickly as it used to is likely caused by a failing battery.
- You sense a strange smell: Old batteries may leak some chemicals, and some of them smell like rotten eggs. If you notice a strange smell after opening the car's hood, it's likely from the battery.
- The car's electrical features don't work as they used to: If you notice your lights, power windows, or windshield wipers not working as they used to, it's likely due to a failing battery.
Comprehensive Battery Inspection
Here at Chris Nikel CJDRF, we want to prevent situations when your battery dies unexpectedly and you can't use your vehicle. Our factory-trained auto repair technicians first assess the battery's age and inspect it visually for any signs of deterioration. Then, they use special equipment to measure its current electrical capacity and use their expertise to determine if the battery needs replacing.
Battery Testing and Diagnostics
The steps that our technicians usually take to assess your battery's performance are:
- They turn off the vehicle and disable its ignition system: They do that to allow the battery to turn the electric motor without the engine starting so they can isolate the battery and assess its performance.
- They use a test tool called a multimeter to determine the battery's voltage capacity: This involves connecting the multimeter to the battery's positive and negative terminals and turning the engine on. If the multimeter shows a battery voltage lower than 9.6 volts, it's a sign that your battery will likely fail soon.
Battery Replacement and Installation
Although you could perform the battery replacement process on your own, leaving it to professionals is often better. Leaving it in the hands of people who do this for a living minimizes the chances of anything going wrong. We also always use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, so you can be sure that the new battery is a good one. The steps that we take when replacing an old battery are:
- Disconnecting the cables from the existing battery: The first step after opening the hood and locating the battery is to disconnect both the negative and positive cables, in that order. The reason why the negative cable should be disconnected first is to prevent short circuits or sparks.
- Removing the old battery: Our technicians then loosen the existing battery's connectors and safely remove it from your vehicle. We then dispose of it in an eco-friendly manner.
- Installing the new battery: We then choose an appropriate OEM battery based on your car's exact make and model and install it in your vehicle. After connecting the positive and negative cables, we then test the new battery by turning on the engine.
Extending Battery Life
Some steps you can take to extend your battery's life are:
- Avoid short trips.
- Don't leave any electronics on when the engine is off.
- Disconnect the battery if you're not going to use the car for an extended period.
- Avoid extreme temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Battery Services
These are some frequently asked questions on the subject.
What's a Car Battery's Typical Life Span?
Car batteries last three to four years on average. After that, you may start to notice signs of failure. After five years, it'll likely fail unexpectedly.
What's the Typical Warranty for a New Battery?
When you buy a new battery, you usually get a warranty for up to 24 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Different battery brands have different types of warranties. The most common are the free replacement warranty, which guarantees a free battery replacement if your battery fails during the warranty period, and the pro-rata warranty, which offers a discount in case your battery malfunctions.
How Do You Properly Dispose of an Old Battery?
Car batteries contain dangerous chemicals and must be disposed of in specific ways at recycling facilities. Some components, such as plastic, lead, and acid, can be recycled and reused. The others are disposed of in a safe and eco-conscious manner.
Service Your Vehicle at Chris Nikel CJDRF
If you think you need a new battery or simply want to have your existing one tested, visit our service center at Chris Nikel CJDRF. Our experienced technicians use cutting-edge technology to diagnose your vehicle's issue and then exclusively use OEM parts to repair your faulty components. From a simple battery check or oil change to more complex tasks, you can trust us with your vehicle. Call us today or use our website to make a service appointment.