Article
How to jump start your car
Have you ever gotten into your car only to realise the lights were on overnight and now the battery is flat. Do not fear ... it's easier to jumpstart a car than you might think...
Read moreHow do you know when your car battery is dead?
When your battery dies it might seem like your car is experiencing highly complicated problems and can make you feel alarmed. However, once the issue has been diagnosed, jump starting your car or buying a new battery are relatively easy and cheap procedures.
Here are 4 clear signs that indicate your battery is either dead or on its way out
1. Engine makes a noise but doesn't start
If your engine makes that horrible whining sound when you turn the key, but does not actually start, it is possible your battery is on its way out. If this is the case you may need to use jumper cables to get your car on the road again. It's important once you jump start your car that you let the engine run for at least 30 minutes to allow the alternator to fully charge the battery. This should give the battery enough juice to allow the car to run for a few days whilst you hunt for a new battery.
NOTE: Alternators are used in modern cars to charge the battery and to power the electrical system when its engine is running.
2. No lights
This is a super easy problem to diagnose. The battery powers all the lights and accessories in our car, so if all of the lights aren't working at once, then your car battery is a likely kaput.
NOTE: If your car doesn't even have the juice to turn on the lights or the engine there may also be additional car maintenance issues like a problem with the alternator.
3. Our car needs extra time to start
An early sign that a car battery is running out of charge is when you regularly need to put extra energy into starting your vehicle each day. It's that moment when we get in the car, tap the accelerator pedal a few times but the engine still seems quite weak - and then suddenly, it starts up and finally maintains idle. If this is happening, your car battery may be getting too old and may need to be replaced.
NOTE: If it is very cold outside, it's quite normal for your vehicle to take a little longer to start up and may not necessarily mean you are having battery issues. Gas is harder to vaporise when it is cold and batteries produce less power in cold conditions.
4. Jump starting ... again!
If you have had to jump start your car more than three times in a week, it's time to replace the battery and/or have the alternator checked (as it may not be recharging the battery effectively).
NOTE: Even a new battery can get old really quick if you have had to jump start your car more than three times in a week. Jump starting your car is literally like shocking the battery back to life and can be pretty tough on it.
Provided there are no glitches, your battery should last two to three years.
Learn more about Car Batteries
How do I know if my battery is getting flat or low?
The most obvious sign of a flat battery is when your car won't start, but modern motor vehicles can show symptoms like non-essential functions not operating correctly - things like idle stop-start function not working, or the car's air-conditioning not working effectively.
Other signs you might need a new car battery include:
- Vehicle is slow to start
- Engine won't start
- Dash Lights work, but engine won't start
- Constantly needing a jump start
- Film or corrosion on the battery
- Cracked swollen or leaky battery
- Rotten egg smell under the hood
Do I need a new car battery?
The most obvious sign of a flat battery is when your car won't start. Modern motor vehicles can show symptoms like the idle stop-start not working or the car's air-conditioning not working to full capacity.
Other signs include cracked, dirty or leaky batteries, a rotten egg smell under the hood of your car, or regularly needing a jump start or recharge. The best way to know if you need a new battery is to get a car battery test at Temby Auto Service
Does a flat battery use more fuel?
Yes! When your car battery is running flat, the alternator works harder to recharge the battery. This added load on the engine means it burns more fuel.
Where can I buy a new car battery?
Come in and see us! As a Repco Authorised Service Centre, Temby Auto Service have access to the highest quality batteries to suit most vehicles.
Who can test my car battery?
Temby Auto Service can do a battery load test. Phone us or visit the workshop today.
Why choose Temby Auto Service for a battery test?
If you have concerns about your vehicle's performance, it is wise to get your battery tested at a full-service workshop like Temby Auto Service rather than at a parts store. That's because we take into consideration the whole vehicle and can diagnose any deeper issues.
There is nothing worse than replacing your car battery only to find the problem actually lies elsewhere… except maybe being told your battery test is fine with no explanation for your ongoing issues!
Can my car battery be recharged?
Yes, in fact the battery is being recharged by the alternator in your car whenever the engine is running. Sometimes this fix isn't enough, and your battery requires an external recharge. It's best to ask the professionals like our team at Temby Auto Service about this, as you could void the battery warranty by recharging it yourself.
Sometimes external recharging is not the best option because every battery eventually reaches a point in its life where replacement is the only answer to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Can I fit my battery myself?
The short answer is yes...But! Modern vehicles are “computers on wheels”, so if you decide to DIY you must follow proper installation procedures to avoid damaging the ECM (Engine Control Module) and TCM (Transmission Control Module).
Plus, if the battery gets incorrectly installed, items like the radio, the navigation system and security codes may need to be professionally reset.
Talk to Temby Auto Service today. We can recommend the right battery for your needs and install it for you.
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