The 7 most frequently asked questions about car batteries

The car battery is the beating heart of your vehicle, and yet it often raises many questions. Whether you're a seasoned driver or just starting your driving adventure, understanding how car batteries work and how best to maintain them is essential. In this blog post, we answer the top 7 most frequently asked questions about car batteries so you can hit the road confidently, knowing your car is always ready to start. From choosing the right type of battery to maintaining and replacing it, we leave no question unanswered.

1. How do I know if my car battery is bad/broken?

There are a number of characteristics that show when your car battery is due for replacement is due for replacement:

• Startup takes longer than usual
• Noticeably reduced performance
• Brown-colored (rust) spots on the battery (corrosion) 
• Components leaking (white or yellow colored substance on battery)
• Charging takes longer than normal or does not charge at all

The technical lifespan provided from the manufacturer is a good indicator of how long the battery is supposed to last on average. However, there are external factors that affect the actual lifespan, such as extreme temperatures.

2. What is the life span of a car battery?

Under normal conditions a car battery lasts an average of 4 to 5 years. However, service life is highly dependent on the type of battery and its use. A combination of internal and external factors determine the service life, such as temperature, deep discharge, overcharging, factory quality, maintenance, etc. Nevertheless, there are ways to increase the life of your battery by especially taking into account the external factors, such as extreme temperatures for example.

Want to get a better understanding on the current state of your car battery? You can find out with a battery tester. It offers accurate measurements and can indicate whether the battery is in good condition or needs to be replaced. This allows preventive maintenance measures to be taken, avoiding unexpected starting problems and increasing the life of the battery is maximized.

3. Why do I need to charge my car battery?

What many people don't know is that they need to keep their car battery properly charged. On long trips, the battery automatically charges through the alternator. In contrast, if you drive many short distances, the alternator often cannot fully charge the battery. The battery also drains faster if you accidentally leave power consumers on, such as the lights. Thus, to avoid stalling, it is recommended that you charge the battery regularly. Want to check if your battery needs charging? You can do this by measuring the battery voltage with a multimeter. A fully charged battery should register about 12.6V. A voltage of 12.4V or lower may indicate that the battery needs charging. Charging the battery can be done with a battery charger. Should your car still fail to start, a starter booster is a must have.

Discover our range of chargers and start boosters

4. How do I know which car battery I need?

We recommend using the old battery to find out exactly which battery you need. In doing so, it is especially important to note the capacity, size, polarization and technology of your new battery remain the same. You can always upgrade, best never downgrade. Below is already an overview of the different battery types you can choose from.

5. Do I need a start-stop battery?

If you have a car with a start-stop system, whose original battery is a start-stop battery, it is absolutely recommended to choose a start-stop battery (AGM or EFB battery) again. These automotive batteries are specially designed to meet the requirements of start-stop technology can improve battery life in vehicles that frequently idle and reduce fuel consumption. However, if your vehicle does not have a start-stop system and mainly drives long distances without frequent idling, a normal lead-acid battery should be sufficient.

Contact Autobat to determine the most appropriate battery type for your specific situation.

6. Do I need an EFB or AGM battery?

Whether you need an EFB or AGM battery depends on the type of vehicle and how you use it, especially in relation to the start-stop system. If you have a small or mid-size vehicle with start-stop system and generally have shorter trips trips, an EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) is probably the right battery for your system. Do you typically make longer trips with intensive start-stop use? Then an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) is probably better for your vehicle. Here again, the golden rule applies: always opt for the same technology that was originally installed at the factory.

7. Can I replace my car battery myself?

Yes, if it is a classic battery yes. With more advanced batteries, it is not recommended. In the next section you will read why.

When replacing the battery, it is especially important that you do it safely. For example, the car must be off and the key must not be in the ignition. First remove the minus battery terminal and then the plus battery terminal. Next:

1. 1. Remove the battery
   2. Install the new battery (if applicable: mount the clamp or bracket)
   3. Mount the plus battery terminal first, then the minus battery terminal
   4. Start the car

As just mentioned, with the more recent generation of cars, with many "technological tours de force" it is not recommended to replace the replace the battery yourself without the proper equipment. The reason is to maintain power when replacing the battery. This can be done in several ways. This is necessary in order not to cause unexpected malfunctions on the electrical circuit of the car. In addition, for cars with a start-stop systemThis means that the car recognizes the battery. Replacing a battery is no easy task nowadays. That is why in such cases, or when in doubt, it is important to call on a professional who has the necessary equipment to replace the battery.

Do you have questions when replacing your battery? At Autobat we are happy to advise you on this.

Is your question not among them? Consult our other blog posts or contact us and we will be happy to help you further.