Can Car Batteries Be Repaired?
As a car owner, you never want to be stranded with a dead car battery, but battery failure isn’t always avoidable. If you’ve been using the same car battery for years and find yourself in this situation, it likely means your battery has reached the end of its lifespan. This component should be replaced by professional mechanics at a local auto shop.
However, if your car battery is only a few years old, you may be able to postpone buying a replacement battery depending on the condition of your battery. Continue reading for our comprehensive guide on your car battery and how to know if it can be repaired.
How To Know If Your Car’s Battery Is Dead
Sometimes, it’s easy to tell when your car’s battery has died, but not always. When you’re not 100% sure what your car’s real problem is, look out for these common signs of car battery failure:
- Trouble starting your car. Once you put your keys in the ignition, the next sound you should hear is your engine revving up. If your car won’t start, there’s a strong chance that your battery needs attention.
- A flashing “check engine” light. Look for this engine-shaped red light, generally located near the speedometer. It activates in response to multiple issues, and battery failure is one of them.
- An activated battery light. This light is dedicated to battery-related issues like a faulty alternator or a wiring complication. Either of these problems can make your battery unable to charge as it should.
- The smell of sulfur. This unpleasant odor indicates a battery leak. When your battery leaks, it won’t function correctly.
- Electrical issues. Are your lights dim or unable to turn on at all? A failing battery often causes this situation and may cause problems with your windshield wipers and radio.
What Causes Car Battery Failure?
There are many reasons why your car’s battery might have trouble working or holding a charge before it reaches the end of its life. These reasons include the following:
- Corrosion
- Problems with the charging system
- Leaving headlights or interior lights on for too long
- Extreme temperatures (especially freezing weather)
- Leaving a car idle for extended periods
Car Battery Repair 101
If your battery is on the fritz, you could try several different methods to fix it. The proper way to resolve your issue depends on what caused the problem and whether the battery is dead.
Weak Car Batteries
The easiest and most common way to fix a weak battery is by jump-starting it. For this procedure, you’ll need jumper cables and another battery installed in another vehicle or a standalone 18-volt drill battery. Alternatively, you could use a portable jump starter.
The basic principles will remain the same regardless of how you jump-start your car. First, ensure all the vehicles involved are turned off. Then, find each battery’s positive and negative terminals and connect your jumper cables. After that, you can start your car while connected to the other battery or your portable jump starter.
That isn’t the only way to jump-start your car. You could also hand-crank it or use the “chainsaw method.” However, these methods require a great deal of mechanical knowledge and access to specialized tools. Therefore, most drivers should stick to the more common jump-start techniques.
Tire Works Knows Car Batteries
If you’re unsure if your car battery can be repaired, you can count on the experts at Tire Works to assist you. First, we will inspect your car battery to ensure that it can hold a charge, and we’ll look to see if the battery is cracked or corroding. When corrosion occurs, there is still a chance we can revive your battery. However, if the battery is cracked, it can be far too dangerous to simply recharge, and it will have to be replaced.
In addition, we will also consider the age of your car battery to determine if it would be best to have your car battery repaired or replaced. If your car battery is around three years or older, we will generally recommend having it replaced.
Whether your car battery is in need of repair or replacement, you can rest assured that our team is ready and well-equipped to handle the task. Not only are our mechanics professional and ASE-certified, but we also provide our customers with the following:
- Auto repair service coupons
- Flexible financing options
- Free shuttle service
- Free car repair service quotes
- And more!
Experience the best auto repair service Nevada and Arizona has to offer. Visit the nearest Tire Works auto shop or schedule an appointment online today.
Don’t Push Your Car Battery Too Far
Like any other vehicle part, car batteries have a limited service life. Under the best circumstances, a battery should last about four years. Has your battery died before hitting this milestone? If so, the tips listed above could help extend its lifespan.
Battery maintenance is another way to provide longevity to your battery. Use your car regularly and occasionally check your vehicle’s electrical components during a battery maintenance regimen. To keep your battery in good health, you should also be sure to:
- Check the acid level once every six months
- Add water to it as needed
- Perform load tests to ensure proper charging
- Clean it to avoid corrosion
- Make sure its cables are tightly connected
- Do not overcharge it
That said, any car battery maintenance or car battery repair is a temporary fix. Eventually, you’ll need to invest in a new car battery. When your car battery’s time is up, don’t risk pushing it past its natural limits. Instead, visit Tire Works for a quality battery replacement today!
