Car Battery Replacement Near Hamilton

Types of Car Batteries

Maybe you’re looking forward to an after-school stop at Urban Air with the kids to help them blow off some steam, or maybe you’re taking a road trip to Indianapolis for the weekend. The last thing you want to experience is battery trouble, which may force you to cancel your plans. When you partner with McCluskey Chevrolet, we’ll help you find the right battery for your car so that your plans can go on and you can enjoy your travels to the fullest.

There are many different types of batteries, so finding which will work for your needs is best left to the professionals. Flooded lead-acid batteries are widely used in modern vehicles and typically last between three and five years. They are versatile and utilized in many cars, as well as golf carts and other transportation methods. Although they’re mainstream, they tend to be affected by extreme temperatures, which can deplete their energy at a more rapid rate.

If you’re looking for extended battery life, opting for an enhanced flooded battery is advised. These have thicker lead plates that aren’t as affected by the elements. AGM batteries (short for "absorbent glass mat") utilize fiberglass components to absorb liquid electrolytes, creating a safer operation in the unfortunate instance of an accident. They also last longer than flooded lead-acid batteries, with an average lifespan of seven years.

You’ll also notice more lithium-ion batteries becoming available at service centers as more electric vehicles take to the streets. These lightweight batteries can be recharged numerous times and can be found in hybrid, electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. These batteries last the longest, with an average lifespan of ten to twenty years. No matter what make or model vehicle you have, rest assured that we have a battery type available to help you move forward safely and efficiently.

What Does Your Car Battery Do?

As you’re driving to Bridgewater Falls for a little retail therapy, has it occurred to you how important your battery is to your vehicle’s operation? Like many drivers, you probably take your car battery for granted, but it is responsible for more than you may realize. You probably know that its main function is starting your car so that you can be on your way to all the places you need to go.

Inside a typical lead acid battery, there’s acid in the liquid electrolytes that reacts to the active materials on the plates of the battery, so when you put your key into the ignition or press your start button, these materials react. The reaction is called an electrical current, which signals your engine that it’s time to start.

In addition to being part of the starting system, your car battery is also responsible for electrical components, like your lights, infotainment screen, GPS, and more. This is why many drivers know when their battery is failing because their lights are dimmer than usual (although this could also be an alternator problem). It acts as a surge protector, regulating voltage to help protect the important components inside your vehicle.

If you notice that certain features are having a more difficult time operating or if your vehicle is having trouble starting, it’s important to take it in for service so that the technician can decipher between a battery and an alternator issue.

When Should You Replace It?

For most drivers, the reason batteries drain is because they’ve been working for so long. Time is a thief in the world of batteries, and within about five years—depending on your driving habits—the interior components of your battery will deteriorate, making it more difficult for it to hold onto a charge. You can also expect your battery to degrade when it’s not being charged regularly.

Maybe you’ve recently accepted a work-from-home position, and you haven’t been driving your car as often. Without regular use, your battery’s charge depletes and must be recharged or replaced. Getting in the habit of driving your car regularly, even if it’s just around the neighborhood, is a good way to keep your battery charged.

Extreme temperatures can also affect battery longevity. So, if we’ve experienced colder temps in the winter and hotter temperatures in the summer, this can potentially affect your battery life. Another culprit of battery drain is an alternator that needs to be replaced. Your battery and alternator work together to keep your car running, so if one is failing, it takes a toll on the other.

This is why it’s important to have a service center that’s experienced and knowledgeable about your battery needs. The last thing you want is to pop a new battery under the hood only to have it deplete rapidly due to a bad alternator.

For most batteries, you can expect an average lifespan of about five years. This will, of course, depend on how often you drive and what kind of vehicle you own, but this is fairly typical of most battery types. Regular wear and tear will deplete the battery over time, which is why services like multipoint inspections come in handy, helping you deal with an issue before it becomes a problem.

With this service, your battery is tested, and if a replacement is needed in the near future, you can handle it right then and there instead of being stranded at Marcum Park after a picnic with your family.

We Can Help Hamilton Drivers