Premature Car Battery Failure (Reasons, Symptoms and Solutions)
Are you worried about Premature Car Battery Failure? You are not alone, it happens with many of us.
The car battery is secluded in an inconspicuous space under the hood. And yet, it happens to be one of the most important parts of the electrical system in your vehicle. If you have problems with hard starting or flickering lights, these are probably signs of a weak or dead battery.
5 Top Reasons for Car Battery Failure
These are the common reasons why a car battery fails. Learning them beforehand can help you find an instant solution whenever your car faces a battery failure. So, read through and thank me later!
1 - Battery Aging
Are you aware that car batteries need to be replaced every 2 or 2 ½ years? If you’re not sure about the age of the battery in your car, a close visual inspection will reveal some important clues like small cracks on the battery casing that result in leaks and corrosion.
Old or aging car batteries usually incur a problem with the charging system, making it difficult to start your vehicle.
Solution
There is no solution to this except that you must change your car battery.
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2 - Alternator Problems
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the engine is turned on. You know what this means if the alternator is busted, right? It will prevent the battery from achieving a full charge, even if the battery is new. A broken or failing alternator will definitely cause premature battery failure.
Solution
If this is the case, you should take your car to a garage to have the alternator checked. In worst case scenarios, you must replace the alternator to prevent battery problems in the future.
3 - Loose Connections
The battery supplies power and gets charged through the battery cables. Loose cables are one of the simplest reasons for hard starting or weak batteries.
Solution
Open the hood and inspect the battery cables. The connections should be tight and free from corrosion. If the cables are loose, tighten them up using a socket wrench. You can easily remove corrosion using an old toothbrush and some plain water.
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4 - Temperature
The battery in your car is sensitive to heat and cold. Keep in mind that exposure to extreme temperatures is the primary killer of car batteries in both old and new. Temperatures exceeding 100 degrees or below 10 degrees Fahrenheit are the primary factor that will shorten the life of any type of car battery.
Solution
Make sure you park your car in the garage, especially when the weather is extreme. If you do not have a covered garage or a parking lot, use high-quality car covers to prevent the car from moisture and other weather conditions.
5 - Faulty Electrical System
When installing accessories such as auxiliary lights, a new stereo, or amplifiers in your vehicle, you should double check the integrity of the wiring. Anything out of the ordinary like mismatched wires or defective fuses will cause a parasitic drain. This will significantly shorten the life of your car battery and cause a host of problems as you drive your car.
Other reasons for Car Battery Failure are overcharging, leaving headlights ON for a long time while the engine is off.
Conclusion
It is normal for car batteries to deteriorate over time. But if your new car battery is showing signs of premature failure, it is best to bring your car to a garage to accurately determine the cause of the problem.
If you found the reasons for battery failure, and realize that everything is fine and your battery just needs recharging, you must read out guide about best jump starter for charging battery.
