When Should You Change Your Car Battery?

Posted by Madeline White on July 6th, 2023

One of the most frequently overlooked car necessities is a battery. Only a tiny percentage of us maintain and pay attention to a good maintenance schedule. The battery starts the engine, and it also allows us to listen to music while on the go.

But if the battery isn't dead yet, how do you know when it needs to be replaced? A car battery's lifespan cannot be predicted in advance, but some signs indicate it may be time for a car battery replacement in Canberra.

#1 Dim or Flickering Headlights

Your car's battery powers the interior lights, rear lights, and headlights. Your car's battery loses capacity over time, making it unable to maintain the headlights' illumination. If you notice that the lights on your car are flickering constantly, your battery has probably worn out.

If you think your car's battery might be dead, you should also check how bright the headlights are. If the light is decreasing, it could indicate a car battery replacement. 

#2 Slow Engine

Your vehicle's engine uses a significant amount of electrical power during ignition. The battery in your car gives the engine this power. A car battery loses capacity with time, which causes the engine to crank very slowly. While this could be due to another issue, it is best to get it checked.

#3 Jumpstart 

If your vehicle requires a jumpstart every time you head out, it is time you might need a car service in Canberra to check your battery. While jumpstarts are good once or twice a year, more than that may indicate an ongoing issue with the battery.

#4 Ageing Battery 

Get it checked when it reaches about three years as a general "Rule of Thumb." At this point, it had roughly refilled between 50 and 60 per cent of its starting capacity. If it needs to be replaced, a Midtronics Digital test will reveal whether it is "Better To Be Safe Than Sorry".

These are a few telltale signs that indicate an issue with your battery. It is best to call in professionals and get your car's battery checked before it ditches you mid-road.