How to Know If Your Car Battery Needs to Be Replaced

No one wants to deal with a dead battery while out and about in Miami, so learning how to know if your car battery needs to be replaced can save you a major headache. Luckily, there are several notable warning signs that will usually give you a clue before you find yourself in a bind. Discover how much is a replacement car battery and how to test a car battery with South Dade Kia of Miami.

What are Red Flags of a Dying Battery?

On average, your car battery will last around 4 to 5 years with normal travels. If you notice anything out of the ordinary while driving around Kendall, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection. Some of the key warning signs of a failing battery are:

• Dimming headlights
• More frequent need for engine revving or jump starts
• Takes longer to start the engine when you turn the key/push the button
• Unusual power fluctuations

If you notice these red flags, knowing how to test a car battery can come in handy, but remember, too, that you can always schedule your service appointment to let our technicians handle it!

Why Do Car Batteries Fail?

• Heat: Heat causes the liquids inside a car battery to evaporate quickly, so cars from hot climates tend to have more battery troubles than those from mild climates.
• Vibrations: The hold-down clamps prevent your battery from moving as you drive through Kendall, but if they are loose, vibrations can cause major damage to your internal battery parts.
• Needing a Jump: Jump starting your battery is necessary at times, but it is tough on your battery components and will usually shorten your battery lifespan.
• Time: A car battery has a natural shelf life, and it can only go through so many charging cycles before it’s spent. Proper maintenance can maximize your battery’s lifespan, but all batteries need to be replaced eventually. 

How to Test a Car Battery

We’ve discussed how to know if your car battery needs to be replaced, but learning how to test a car battery can also come in handy for Pinecrest drivers. You can get your battery tested at the service center at South Dade Kia of Miami, but you can also get the job done yourself you’re feeling confident. Here are two methods to try:

The Headlight Test: 

1. Park your car and keep the engine on. Make sure the headlights are on.
2. Rev the engine and pay attention to the headlights.
3. If the headlights get brighter, that means the current is not strong enough to keep the lights at normal brightness while the car is idling. 
4. Take your car to a service center to see whether you need a replacement.

Using a Digital Multimeter:

1. Set the voltmeter to 20 DC volts.
2. Pop the hood and touch the black negative terminal with the black negative meter probe.
3. Touch the red positive terminal with the red positive meter probe.
4. Ask a friend to turn on the headlights and check the voltmeter reading.
5. At 80℉, 12.5 volts or higher means your battery is fully charged. 12.3 volts means it’s at about 75% charged.11.8 volts or lower means you have 25% or less charge. 

How Much is a Replacement Car Battery? 

How much is a replacement car battery for your make and model? That depends. The average driver will spend around $75 to $120 for a replacement battery. However, batteries for less common vehicle types might cost more. For example, premium batteries can cost up to $200, and hybrid batteries can cost thousands.

Schedule Your Service at South Dade Kia of Miami

Want to know how much a replacement car battery is or schedule a battery test? South Dade Kia of Miami is here to help in Miami. Contact us with any questions or schedule your service appointment today.