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Car Battery Replacement

No one plans for a dead battery; it usually creeps up on you as you're running late to work or completing errands around town. That sputtering of your engine or the dimming of your lights may have signaled that your battery was failing a while ago; however, a busy schedule and many responsibilities have kept your mind on everything but your car's battery.

Although a dead battery can be quickly remedied, it doesn't mean that it's not incredibly frustrating to deal with, and when you need a team that can help you with all of your battery needs, McCluskey Chevrolet is ready to be of service. Car battery replacement is just one of the many responsibilities you have as a vehicle owner, and it helps to have a team of experts to advise you on your car's maintenance so that you don't end up in the unfortunate instance of being stranded.

Your battery plays a key role in virtually all aspects of your vehicle's operation, so be sure to keep it in tip-top shape and do so with the help of the experts at McCluskey Chevrolet.

A green 2024 Chevy Trax is shown parked near an ocean after receivinga car battery replacement.

What Does Your Car Battery Do?

Most drivers probably already know that the battery is the main power source for your vehicle. Without it, your car simply wouldn't run, which is why it's one of the most important pieces of the puzzle in your car.

The battery is responsible for bringing life to your vehicle and helping you get to where you're going efficiently. Not only does it complete the very important task of sending voltage to the starter when your key enters the ignition, but it's also the surge protector for many of the electronic components in your vehicle, including your lights, interior displays, music systems, windshield wipers, and many more moving parts.

Because of all these crucial responsibilities, it's imperative to keep your battery operating at its peak, which is easy to do by adopting some best practices. Fortunately, car batteries are constantly recharging as the engine is running, so the more you drive, the more you're able to charge your battery. Failure to do this will result in your battery losing its charge and you being stuck when you need to hit the road.

Extremely hot and cold weather can also wreak havoc on your battery, which is why it's recommended you keep your car in an enclosed space, if possible, during these temperature extremes. If you can't do this, be sure to drive it regularly to keep your battery charged.

Even tasks as simple as ensuring your battery is clean and remains free of corrosion can help immensely. After all, your battery's jobs are important. Imagine your headlights being so dim due to your battery lacking power that you can't see well at night; this makes for an extremely unsafe driving situation that you never want to find yourself in. From keeping your car running to maintaining the components that keep you safe on the road, your battery should never be ignored.

A black 2023 Chevy Malibu is shown parked from a rear angle.

Signs It's Time to Replace Your Battery

Chances are, you won't be caught entirely off-guard when your battery dies. Our vehicles have their own ways of letting us know when something may need to be addressed, and it's up to us to pay attention.

One of the biggest signs that your battery will need to be replaced soon is your engine having a hard time turning over. When you put your key into the ignition or press the start button, you may feel your vehicle having difficulty starting, which is one of the telltale signs that your battery may be losing its ability to do its job. Also, remember that your battery is responsible for powering the various electronics and computerized elements in your vehicle, so if you notice your headlights dimming or your interior systems not performing optimally, it may be a sign that your battery is failing.

Of course, you can always jump-start your vehicle; however, you can only do this so many times before this method no longer works. If your car has been jumped more often than you'd like to admit, it's time to take it to a service center and have your battery examined. Another way to tell if your battery is failing is by popping open the hood and having a look around; misshapen battery cases, foul odors, and extensive corrosion are all key indicators that it's time to replace your battery.

On average, batteries tend to last about four years, but this can vary extensively depending on where you live, what climate you travel in, and how many miles you put on your car each year. If you realize it's been a while since your battery has been replaced, it's probably time to address this at a trusted service center—and when you partner with a reputable service center like McCluskey Chevrolet, we can help prevent a dead battery by performing diagnostics on your battery and alerting you when it's beginning to show signs of weakness.

A green 2024 Chevy Trax is shown driving near an ocean.

Signs You Need to Charge Your Battery

Sometimes, you don't need a new battery at all. Sometimes, you just need to charge your battery, and you can be on your way to your next destination. For the most part, if your battery is relatively new and you've experienced no prior issues, you may just need to give it a charge; this can happen after your vehicle has been sitting in place for a period of time, like if you've recently gone on vacation. Remember that once you charge it up, it's important to keep it charged by driving your vehicle regularly, even if it's just around the neighborhood a few times.

Another culprit of your battery needing to be charged is leaving your lights on after you've exited the vehicle. This is a surefire way to drain the battery of its power, but it doesn't always warrant a trip to purchase a new battery; oftentimes, you can charge it up and your vehicle will run like new again. It's advised to bring your car in for service in these occurrences to ensure that your battery's integrity remains and that not too much harm has come from these innocent mistakes.

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McCluskey Chevrolet in the Kings Automall
9673 Kings Automall Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45249

McCluskey Chevrolet Used Car Superstore
435 E. Galbraith Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45251
McCluskey Chevrolet 39.29866, -84.307.