Battery Replacement

The battery on your vehicle is just like any rechargeable battery you have ever used.  The vehicle battery stores energy for components of the vehicle to run off of. Also, it supplies the much needed energy to start the vehicle when it is off. 

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY BATTERY IS GOING BAD?

There are signs your battery is going bad, but only if you are aware of them will you be able to notice them.  The most common sign of a failing battery is a slight hesitation when starting the vehicle.  Second most common would be the battery light coming on and off.  Thirdly would be extreme corrosion on the battery terminals. 

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A BATTERY REPLACEMENT?

First, we make sure the battery is bad by testing it with our scanner.  If bad, we then connect a power saver to your vehicle, so you don’t lose any of the programmed radio stations, clock or any other computer information.  Then we simply replace the battery with a new one and clean the cable ends.  Then retest the starting system to ensure the other components are not faulty. 

HOW LONG DOES A BATTERY LAST IN ARIZONA?

Batteries in Arizona rarely live longer than 3 years on average and batteries stored in the trunk last 5 years on average.  Bays Auto sells one of best if not the best battery on the market with a 5-year full replacement warranty. 

RECOMMENDATIONS

Always keep your battery terminals clean as corrosion on the terminals can ruin the battery, the (expensive) wire harness connected to it and the alternator.  Keeping your vehicle parked in a shaded area will also extend its life.  Never leave the interior lights on in your vehicle.  Also, anytime you jump start someone else’s vehicle you run the risk of damaging very expensive computer components. 

SYMPTOMS OF A FAILING BATTERY

1. Battery or alternator warning light is on or blinking.
2. Slight hesitation when starting or cranks slowly.
3. Interior lights or radio not working correctly.
4. You need your vehicle jump started.  Highly recommend not jump-starting other people’s vehicles as this can damage costly computer components.  Also, never connect jumper cables incorrectly as this is almost guaranteed to damage your computer.
5.  Battery case looks swollen, leaking fluid on the battery or severe corrosion on the battery terminals.

Even without any signs, it’s still possible to drain a battery overnight by leaving your lights on or leaving something plugged into the power outlet.

CAN I CHANGE OUT THE BATTERY MYSELF?

Yes, you can but be careful as battery acid could burn you or your clothing and also you run the risk of shorting out expensive computer components.  Make sure you know what you are doing before attempting this on your own.  Keep in mind, that a dead battery may only be part of a bigger issue.  Tests should be run to make sure there aren’t any other complications. For example, if the alternator is bad it only takes a short period of time before the battery dies again. 

CAN I DRIVE WITH A BAD BATTERY?

You can keep driving with a failing battery, but you shouldn’t.  Your vehicle relies heavily on its electrical components to operate properly.  Power steering, brakes and AC are just a few to mention that fail and cause an accident.  If it’s an emergency and you must drive with a bad battery, then do so during daylight hours, on low-traffic roads, and only if you’re heading to an auto repair shop. Otherwise, contact us and we will arrange to get your battery replaced.