5 Things You Should Know About Your Vehicle's Battery

Just like your morning cup of tea gives you a thrust to start your day, your car battery gives your car the jolt it needs to spring into action. But, unfortunately, nothing is more frustrating than turning your vehicle ignition key, and nothing happens — your ride's heart and soul (battery) died again, and now you're going to be late for work.

That sinking feeling you get when your vehicle's battery dies can ruin your day. But you can prevent it by proper battery maintenance.

Suppose you're looking for a Cadillac for sale, Experts at Sunset Cadillac of Bradenton ensure your new vehicle's battery performance is optimal. Here are 5 things you need to know about your vehicle's battery:

1. How Does a Car Battery Work?

Housed in a rectangular heavy-duty plastic box under the hood, your car battery provides the thrust of electricity required to power all electrical components in the vehicle. As you may have probably noticed, your car won't start without a battery. 

When you turn on the key, a chemical reaction puts the vehicle into action. The battery converts chemical energy to electrical energy, delivering voltage to the car's starter. So when your vehicle fails to work, it's probably a problem with the battery or starter.

The battery stabilizes your vehicle's electric current, supplying steady electric power to the vehicle's electric components. 

2. How Long Can a Car Battery Last?

Your vehicle's battery can serve for three to five years. But, your driving habits and weather determine how long the battery can last.

Interestingly, if you drive your vehicle for regular short distances, your battery may wear faster than when you crack your car less and drive for longer distances. If you suspect your battery may frustrate you sometimes, make an appointment with an authorized automotive technician to have the battery checked.

3. How Can You Tell if Your Vehicle's Battery is in Optimum Condition?

You can't just look at your battery and tell whether it's in its best condition. Instead, it takes a step further to have it checked during your regular vehicle maintenance. 

Your repair expert will perform load testing and use an electronic battery tester to determine the condition of your battery. It's important to have your battery checked at least twice a year — especially before winter and summer to ensure the battery is fit for a change of weather. 

You may open your vehicle's hood to find a swollen battery. If you note it, do not drive the vehicle. The acid inside the swollen battery may explode, causing serious mechanical problems. Have a swollen battery removed and replaced immediately.

4. What Happens When Your Car battery Dies?

You haven't had a bad day if your vehicle's battery hasn't failed when you have an important appointment. Many vehicles come with a set of jumper cables in the trunk. However, if your vehicle doesn't have one, it's important you keep some in the car for an emergency purpose. 

If your vehicle doesn't start, you'll have to jump-start it. But, first, ensure your vehicle is safe from traffic since you'll need some minutes to insert and put away the jumper cables.

5. When Do You Need to Replace Your Vehicle's Battery?

If your vehicle's battery has hit a three-year mark or failed you at least once, you may consider replacing it. The following signs indicate it's time to replace your vehicle's battery: 

• Deam headlights

• Non-rectangular shape

• Smell of sulfur

• Low start engine

• Faulty alternator

Have Your Battery Checked at Sunset Cadillac of Bradenton

A failing vehicle's battery can cause a lot of inconveniences. Therefore, having a professional automotive technician you can trust is important to keep your Cadillac in its optimum performance.

You shouldn't worry about your Cadillac's battery performance when you link up with the best service providers. Professionals at Sunset Cadillac of Bradenton can check your car battery and inform you when it's time to replace it.