Car Battery Service Abilene TX
Car Battery Service Abilene TX
Learn More from Star Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram!
When you turn the key or press the ignition button in your car, a lot happens in the split second between when you do and when the engine starts up. The process of starting a vehicle, however, can't start without a battery in good health. A battery that isn't working properly can leave you stranded, making it essential to keep your battery in good condition. To do this, we here at Star Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram would like to offer you a bit of information about your car's battery and how we can help you make sure it starts your engine every time. Read on to learn more!
Function of a Car Battery
The battery converts chemical energy into electrical energy to start your vehicle. That power is used to start the vehicle, run the lights and air conditioning, and run every other electrical component. Most vehicles use a 12-volt battery that houses six individual cells that hold the chemical energy created by battery acid. When you turn the key or press the start button, the battery turns the chemical energy into electricity and delivers it to the engine's ignition coils, which then activates the spark plugs, igniting the fuel/air mixture inside the cylinders and turning over the engine. As you'll notice, this happens almost instantaneously. Once the engine gets running, the battery shuts off, and the alternator takes over, powering the vehicle's electronics while also sending power back to the battery. Turning the key in the ignition two clicks or pressing the start button twice with your foot off the brake will engage accessory mode, which runs the infotainment screens, HVAC, and lights solely on battery power until it is turned off or the engine is started.
How Long Can a Car Battery Last?
Unfortunately, car batteries don't last forever. However, a battery that's well taken care of can last around five years before it starts showing signs of its age. It's very rare for a car battery to die for no reason, even if it is starting to age. For example, the most common cause of a battery becoming fully depleted is a combination of age and an accessory being left on, such as leaving a dome light on after exiting. A battery will typically show signs of its age before simply not starting the engine. Most commonly, you'll notice slower cranking times, where your engine will start more slowly than it once did. This is caused by the battery not providing enough power to the spark plugs to start the engine. However, there are other causes for slower engine starting times, including a bad starter or alternator. If you notice that your engine is taking longer to turn over, bring it to a trustworthy service center like the one here at Star Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram at your earliest convenience to have it diagnosed and repaired. Another symptom of a failing starting and charging system is the battery light that can illuminate on your gauge cluster. This usually means that the alternator isn't charging the battery, forcing the battery to run at all times. If you see this light, bring it to us, and a technician will diagnose and repair the issue.
How to Extend the Life of a Car Battery
While there are many things that can lead to a dead battery, there are also many things you can do to help preserve your battery's lifespan. The most surefire way to do this is to avoid running accessory mode as often as possible. A battery can also fail because of damage to the cells, most often caused by vibration. To prevent this, car batteries come with a clamp over their midsection held down by bolts. While we'll happily assist you with the installation of your battery here in the Star Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram service center, if you do your own, ensure that you tighten the clamp on the battery to prevent any vibration. Another way to extend your battery's life is to avoid taking short trips. As we mentioned above, the alternator recharges your car's battery while the engine is running. Therefore, when you take a short trip, you can use more energy starting the vehicle than can be replaced in the time it takes to get to your destination. The best way to know your battery's health is to have its output tested. The output depends on the size of the battery, which depends on the size of the vehicle's engine. For example, an engine with eight cylinders requires a larger battery to start it than one with four. Most commonly, however, cars come with batteries with outputs between 12 and 15 volts. If you feel your car's battery needs to be tested or would just like to know where it is in its lifespan, a technician here in our service center will happily test it for you.
Service Your Car Battery in Abilene, TX
Your car battery is a small part of the complicated process of running an automobile engine. However, it quite literally is the most essential part of the process. That's why, here at Star Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, we want to help you keep your battery in good condition and ensure that you get a smooth, quick start every time you go to start your engine. If you feel your battery needs testing, diagnosing, or servicing, use the contact form below this page to schedule your next service appointment. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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