The primary function of your car’s battery is to provide a surge of electrical power to start your car. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your battery in good condition. If you notice the following indications of battery wear and tear, visit your local Kia dealer for a new car battery without delay.
Your Car Won’t Start
The most inconvenient way to find out you need a new battery is if your car refuses to start. The starter needs a powerful surge of electricity to get the engine going, especially in the morning when the engine’s cold. As long as your alternator is working well, a complete lack of voltage from the battery usually means you’ll need to replace it.
You Jump-Start Successfully
The alternator uses the engine’s power to generate electricity and keep the battery fully charged. So a dead battery in the morning may have resulted from a faulty alternator failing to do its job.
You can usually find out whether the alternator or battery is to blame by jump-starting your car. If the jump start works and the engine keeps going, then the alternator is healthy and your battery probably has a problem. On the other hand, if your engine dies again shortly after the jump-start, then your alternator has a flaw and your battery may be fine.
Your Electronics Falter
Batteries power the car’s various electronic accessories while the engine isn’t running. So if your radio, windshield wipers, dashboard dials, heating, or air con stops working when the engine’s off, your battery may have an issue.
Your Battery Is Damaged
You can check your battery at any time for visible signs of aging or damage. If the battery’s casing seems in any way swollen or cracked, or there’s corrosion or rust on the connectors, then that battery will have to go.
You Smell Rotten Eggs
An extensively damaged car battery will sometimes begin to leak battery acid. Battery acid smells sulfury, rather like rotten eggs. If you ever notice this kind of rotten egg smell, pull over and check your battery for cracks and leaks.
How Often Batteries Need Replacing at a Kia Dealer
Most car batteries last around three to four years. With proper vehicle maintenance, you may extend the lifespan of your battery by a year or two. In particular, car batteries can become damaged by excessively hot or cold temperatures, so it’s wise to protect your vehicle from extremes of temperature during summer or winter.
Have your battery checked and replaced today at Hart Kia. We’re a long-standing local dealership that’s been serving our loyal customers across the state of Virginia since 1937.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.