How Often to Replace Car Battery?

Do you want to know when or how often to replace your car battery? Auto experts and automakers recommend replacing your car battery every four to five years. Still, some things can cause your battery to deteriorate even faster–like the battery’s age and driving conditions. . Read on to find out how to know if your car battery needs to be replaced, and contact the team at BMW of Turnersville if you would like to schedule service. 

How to Know If Your Car Battery Needs to Be Replaced

When driving in the greater Sewell, be on the lookout for these warning signs. It may be time to replace your battery:

• Irregular power fluctuations
• It’s taking longer to start your car engine when you turn the key or push the button
• Dimming headlights
• You’ve needed more than one jump start in recent memory

Why Do Car Batteries Deteriorate?

Many factors cause a car battery to deteriorate and lose its ability to recharge, such as:

• Extreme Weather: Both severe heat and cold can cause harm to your car battery. During hot weather, the liquids inside your car battery can sometimes evaporate. During cold weather, they can lose their charge. 
• Road vibrations: Rough road conditions, like off-roading and large potholes, can loosen your battery’s clamps or cause internal battery parts to break down. 
• Frequent Jump Starts: Frequent jump-starts will reduce your battery’s lifespan, so you should carefully check all electronics and lights in the vehicle before you leave it for the evening.
• Time: As with most things in life, time, use, and normal wear and tear cause your car battery to wear out. 

If you aren’t clear of your vehicle’s battery’s expected lifespan, look in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or call the service center at BMW of Turnersville. 

How to Test a Car Battery?

Williamstown drivers have asked us how to test a car battery at home. It requires a special tool, but you can pick up a voltmeter at our parts department. There’s also the headlight test:

1. Turn the vehicle on and make sure it’s set to park.
2. Rev the engine and check to see if the brightness of your headlights changes.
3. Changing brightness means that your battery is weak and your alternator is making up the difference.
4. No change indicates that your battery is working fine. If you’re experiencing strange power fluctuations, the problem lies elsewhere.

When you bring your car in for routine maintenance to BMW of Turnersville, our service team will be happy to test your car battery for you. If you want it tested in between routine maintenance visits, you can easily schedule an appointment online or over the phone

How Much is a Replacement Car Battery?

If your car battery needs replaced, a new battery will typically cost between $75 and $125. However, premium batteries can cost up to $350, and hybrid car batteries can cost significantly more because they’re more complex. A new hybrid battery can cost you anywhere between $1,000 and $6,000.

Trust BMW of Turnersville for All of Your Service Needs! 

Now that you know how often to replace a car battery, if you need to purchase a new battery, bring your BMW to BMW of Turnersville. You can also order BMW parts and accessories through our parts center. Remember BMW of Turnersville is always at your service and willing to answer your questions. Contact us today!