Car Battery Replacement
The battery is one of the most critical parts of any car. Essentially, it provides the electrical energy required to get the car started. But it also keeps the energy supply stable and powers many of the other electrical components within the vehicle. A dead battery will stop you from being able to drive at all, so keeping an eye on it is crucial.
6 signs that a battery is dying
There are a number of signs that might suggest that your car's battery needs replacing, and doing so when you see these signs can prevent you from having to deal with the drama of a completely dead battery.
1. Trouble starting
If your car is taking longer than normal to start or there is little to no noise when you try to start it, this usually means that your battery is struggling and needs replacing.
2. Strange smell
If you notice a smell that resembles rotten eggs, this is often a sign that the battery is badly damaged and/or leaking or that there is an internal short. Either way, this is one of the most obvious signs that the battery needs replacing.
3. Electrical problems
Since the battery is also responsible for running all of the electrical components in the car, an obvious sign that the battery is failing/dying is if some of these are not working as they should. For example, if you open the doors and the interior light doesn't come on, your radio won't play, or your wipers won't work.
4. Weak/dim headlights
A car's headlights consume a lot of electrical energy. A noticeable change in the brightness of these can be an indicator of a dying battery or a low charge level. You can also check this by switching the headlights on with and without turning the car on - a significant variance in the levels of brightness also indicates a battery issue.
5. The dashboard battery warning light is on
All modern cars have an array of warning lights on the dashboard. One of these is the battery warning light. If this comes on, you should contact your local Protyre to ask them to run a battery check. This light can indicate an issue with charging, components, or that the battery is dying.
6. Backfiring
Perhaps rather surprisingly, a dying battery has the potential to cause a car to backfire. This is because fuel can gather in the engine's cylinders (due to weak sparks) and then ignite, resulting in a backfire.
How long should a car battery last?
In theory at least, a car battery can last up to six years. But this would involve perfect maintenance and ideal conditions. In reality, most will last between three and four years. If your battery is around three years old, it may be worth getting it checked at a local Protyre garage to see how much longer it is likely to last and whether it is time to replace it before it starts to fail.
Battery replacement checks and services
If you are wondering, "Who can deal with car battery replacement near me?" then Protyre has the answer. Our qualified fitters can change the battery with minimal disruption and dispose of the old one safely. Many of our garages can offer same-day battery replacement appointments.
Car battery replacement cost varies depending on the type of battery - but the replacement itself should not take too long and, therefore, will be unlikely to cost in excess of £50 for labour in addition to the cost of the battery itself.
What causes a car battery to run out/die?
There are a significant number of issues that can cause a battery to drain or die. These include:
- Cold or hot (i.e. extreme) weather
- Corrosion of battery terminals
- Loose terminal connections
- Leaving the lights or stereo on
- Faulty charging system
- Short or infrequent use
- Incorrect battery size
Types of car battery
The most common types of car battery today are:
- Flooded lead acid battery (wet cell)
- Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB)
- Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery
- Silver Calcium battery
- Gel cell battery (dry cell)
- Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery
- Deep cycle battery
- Nickel metal hydride battery
Each type of battery is able to meet certain needs/power requirements, and some are more suited to hybrid or electric vehicles.
Other Protyre offerings
In addition to our car battery replacement service, Protyre garages also offer MOTs, servicing, free vehicle safety checks (including on battery), and tyre-fitting.
Protyre: tyre experts
We are one of the largest suppliers and fitters of tyres in the UK. We offer a vast range of tyres, including premium products from leading manufacturers such as Pirelli, Goodyear, Michelin, and Bridgestone; mid-range options from brands including Falken, GT Radial, and Sumitomo; and low-cost/economy tyres from brands such as Ovation, Budget, and Autogrip.
We offer a selection of summer, winter, and all-season tyres in addition to some XL and run-flat versions of popular tyres. And we don't just cater for cars; you can also get your motorcycle tyres from us.
Booking with Protyre
Booking your tyre-fitting, MOTs, servicing, or free safety checks with Protyre is quick and easy and can be done either online or over the phone. To find your nearest/most-convenient Protyre, simply enter your postcode in the online search function on our website.