BATTERIES, STARTING & CHARGING
Automobile batteries rarely give indications that they are going to fail – and then fail at the most inconvenient times. If you’ve been stranded with a dead battery on a Monday morning or in a cold parking lot waiting for someone to come by with jumper cables, you know that regular battery inspections are vital.
If your battery is more than 5 years old or if it seems to be running down often, bring your vehicle into OK Mod Garage, where our technicians will conduct a battery and charging system check. We’ll inspect the condition of the terminals and the case, check electrolyte levels and test the current. We’ll also assess your alternator belts for wear as well as the connections and mounting of your battery and starter.
Battery Life Vs Driving Conditions
During the course of vehicle ownership, you will likely replace your battery more than once. The lifespan of your battery is affected by many things, from extremes of temperature to rough, off-road driving, which can jar a battery loose. Since your battery is a dynamic system, if you take many short trips, you may find that the charging system never has a chance to fully replenish your battery resulting in a breakdown of the electrolyte solution in your battery and reduced battery life.
Whether your battery and charging system problems are due to corroded battery terminals, failing batteries, loose or worn alternator belts, or failed alternators, our technicians are trained and equipped to diagnose the problem, and quickly repair or replace your battery in order to get you back on the road. Drive in to OK Mod Garage for complete battery service. We will make sure you drive off happy.
FAQ's
Andrew..."Is there a specific time limit to the life of a car battery? How long can I expect my battery to last?"
Sam..."The usual lifespan of a battery is between 3 and 5 years. However, this depends greatly on the quality of the battery installed, the condition of the alternator, the condition of the battery post terminals, your driving style/habits, and the weather and several other factors."
Andrew..."I live in a pretty cold climate. Can my car battery freeze if I don't use it for a while?"
Sam..."Extreme cold can shorten the life of a car battery, but it likely won’t freeze it. However, for a battery that is already close to the end of its life, freezing, while very rare, is a possibility."
Andrew..."I know car batteries have trouble during our cold winter months. However, my area is currently experiencing a heat wave and my car had trouble starting this morning. Does heat affect the efficiency of car batteries as well?"
Sam..."Contrary to popular belief, extreme heat, like extreme cold, can shorten the life of your battery. If your car occasionally has difficulty starting during a heat wave, there is likely nothing to worry about. However, if these troubles happen frequently, it could be a more serious issue that requires the inspection. Come on in, and I'll take a look at it."
Andrew..."I just took a look at my car's battery, and I noticed quite a bit of corrosion. Should I start looking into purchasing a new battery?"
Sam..."Not necessarily. Corrosion is actually quite common on car batteries, which is why it’s important to have the battery terminals cleaned and inspected regularly. As long as the actual battery is working fine, you don’t need to worry about the appearance of corrosion."
Andrew..."My car didn't start on its own this morning, so I needed to ask my neighbor for a 'jump'. Do batteries requiring 'jumps' need to be replaced immediately? "
Sam..."The funny thing about batteries requiring jumps is that, sometimes, the issue isn’t with the battery at all. Most often, the issue is either your alternator, or the lights being left on while vehicle is parked. A one-time jump, and keeping your car running for a while, is often enough to recharge your battery and renew its life. However, if your car requires frequent jumps, your best bet is to bring it in."