What Causes a Car Battery to go Bad?
If your battery is starting to die, you may be wondering just what causes a car battery to go bad? You thought you had been taking care of the battery so it would last longer. However, even under normal driving conditions, batteries can become worn down and inefficient between three to five years. Once a battery reaches the four-year mark, it may be almost completely unreliable and you will find that a car battery replacement is necessary.
Here are several issues that cause a car battery to go bad:
- The battery terminals and cables may be loose, broken, corroded, or calcified,
- The fluid level in the terminals may be too low,
- An electrical current from an accessory or operating system is drawing power from the battery even when the car is turned off.
- Extremely hot or cold temperatures will weaken an already-weak battery.
- Automatic stop-start technology places additional strain on your car battery.
- Car computers are operating continuously, even when the vehicle is turned off, drawing energy from the battery at a slow, steady rate.
- The charging system, which includes the starter and alternator, maybe go bad.
Unfortunately, just like your cell phone battery, a car battery becomes less efficient with every charge. Because the battery receives a charge from the alternator every time you drive your car, its efficiency is decreased a little bit each time, until eventually, it will need to be replaced.
Here are some signs indicating it’s time for a car battery replacement:
- The engine cranks but doesn’t start.
- Nothing happens when you turn the key in the starter.
- Your vehicle may start randomly one day and not the next.
- The electrical system (such as headlights, power windows, and seats, radio, GPS, etc.), doesn’t function properly.
Tip to Remember: Adding the car battery to your maintenance checklist will help keep it going strong and also help you know when it is starting to fail.
Have questions about what causes a car battery to go bad? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rebel Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
If your battery is starting to die, you may be wondering just what causes a car battery to go bad? You thought you had been taking care of the battery so it would last longer. However, even under normal driving conditions, batteries can become worn down and inefficient between three to five years. Once a battery reaches the four-year mark, it may be almost completely unreliable and you will find that a car battery replacement is necessary.
Here are several issues that cause a car battery to go bad:
- The battery terminals and cables may be loose, broken, corroded, or calcified,
- The fluid level in the terminals may be too low,
- An electrical current from an accessory or operating system is drawing power from the battery even when the car is turned off.
- Extremely hot or cold temperatures will weaken an already-weak battery.
- Automatic stop-start technology places additional strain on your car battery.
- Car computers are operating continuously, even when the vehicle is turned off, drawing energy from the battery at a slow, steady rate.
- The charging system, which includes the starter and alternator, maybe go bad.
Unfortunately, just like your cell phone battery, a car battery becomes less efficient with every charge. Because the battery receives a charge from the alternator every time you drive your car, its efficiency is decreased a little bit each time, until eventually, it will need to be replaced.
Here are some signs indicating it’s time for a car battery replacement:
- The engine cranks but doesn’t start.
- Nothing happens when you turn the key in the starter.
- Your vehicle may start randomly one day and not the next.
- The electrical system (such as headlights, power windows, and seats, radio, GPS, etc.), doesn’t function properly.
Tip to Remember: Adding the car battery to your maintenance checklist will help keep it going strong and also help you know when it is starting to fail.
Have questions about what causes a car battery to go bad? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rebel Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
