Charge Ahead: A Guide to Maintaining Your Vehicle's Battery
Knowing when you’re due for battery service can help avoid inconvenient situations. Imagine being on the road when your vehicle’s battery dies on you. At Joe Thurs Automotive, you can get preventive maintenance and battery replacement services.
A vehicle’s battery is essential for starting it. But that’s not its only job. It helps power many other critical components and amenities such as entertainment systems.
The Role of the Battery in Your Vehicle
A battery stores the electricity that powers the different electrical components. It’s charged by the alternator, which converts mechanical energy into electricity.
All vehicles require a battery to start and function properly. Electric vehicles (EVs) use are based on batteries and use electric power to move. These batteries are lithium-ion batteries that can store quite a lot of power. and differ from the batteries in internal combustion engine vehicles..
In gas engines, the battery provides the current to the spark plugs for ignition. But that’s not all. It also powers features such as regenerative braking.
Types of Batteries in Vehicles
Vehicles use various types of batteries, each designed for specific needs and functions. One of the most common types is the lead-acid battery, commonly found in gas-powered vehicles. The battery acid (lead and sulfuric acid) reacts to produce electricity. These batteries are rechargeable but have a finite life.
Acid batteries come in wet and dry varieties. In the former, the battery electrolyte requires refilling (distilled water). However, a dry battery doesn’t require any maintenance.
Lithium-ion batteries, used in EVs, have gained prominence due to their high energy density and lighter weight. These batteries are essential for storing the large amounts of energy required to propel the vehicle and provide longer driving ranges.
In hybrid vehicles, you’ll find nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. These cost-effective batteries are supposed to support the vehicle. However, with advancements in lithium-ion technology, NiMH is gradually phasing out.
Our experts at Joe Thurs Automotive, can conduct battery diagnostics for all types of batteries, including those in EVs. We can check the battery's health and provide a detailed report.
Signs Your Battery Is Failing
Look out for the following warning signs to prevent complete battery failure:
Startup Struggle
If your vehicle struggles to start, with the engine turning over slowly or hesitating, it could signal a weakening battery. Reduced cranking power indicates that the battery may not deliver sufficient energy to start the engine. At Joe Thurs Automotive in Ashland, PA and Orwigsburg, PA, our skilled technicians can diagnose the issue by inspecting the vehicle as it starts up.
Warning Lights on the Dashboard
Modern vehicles have onboard diagnostics systems that monitor various components, including the battery. If you see the battery or charging system warning light on your dashboard, it clearly indicates battery charging is needed, or another issue exists. At Joe Thurs Automotive, we can perform diagnostics to look for the error code and troubleshoot the problem.
Aging Battery
A typical battery lifespan is around three to five years. A sudden battery voltage drop or not being able to handle load are signs of an aging battery. Check your vehicle’s manual for battery service and replacement guidelines and talk with one of Joe Thurs Automotive professionals. We can advise you on battery recycling and disposing of old batteries safely.
Slow Cranking in Cold Weather
Cold temperatures can affect a battery's performance. If your vehicle struggles to start in cold weather, it may be a sign that the battery is losing capacity. Cold weather increases the demand on the battery, and a weak or old battery may not be up to the task. Battery load testing can reveal if it can handle the required load.
Frequent Jump Starts
If you’re jump-starting your vehicle frequently, the battery capacity has decreased, and it's failing. While jump-starting can get you going temporarily, it's essential to address the underlying issue by replacing the battery.
Battery Corrosion
Check the battery terminals for corrosion, which appears as a white, powdery substance. Corrosion can block the flow of electricity between the battery and the vehicle's electrical system. At Joe Thurs Automotive. our technicians can conduct battery testing to gauge its performance.
Electrical Issues
A failing battery may result in electrical issues in your vehicle. You might experience flickering lights, erratic power window operation, or malfunctions in electronic components.
Strange Odors
If you detect a sulfuric or rotten egg smell, it could indicate a leak or internal battery damage. A leaking battery not only poses a risk to your vehicle's electrical system but also to your safety. Bring in your vehicle to Joe Thurs Automotive for inspection immediately and have our technicians check battery safety.
Contact Joe Thurs Automotive for Battery Service
Joe Thurs Automotive, founded in July 2020, can handle all your battery maintenance requirements, from testing battery voltage to battery reconditioning. Our experts can also guide you on choosing the right battery for your vehicle and replacing it professionally.
Call us at (570) 590-9070 for our Ashland location or (570) 366-4600 for our Orwigsburg location during Monday - Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm or visit us at 635 Fountain St., Ashland, PA 17921 or 712 W. Market Street, Orwigsburg, PA 17961!
