How do you know when it's time to replace the battery in a vehicle?
My truck has never failed to start- and I would like to keep it that way.
The truck is almost 5 years old and is on its original battery. Lately, I have noticed that – even when driving at highway speeds when theoretically charging should be taking place – that the dashboard indicator shows voltage below the 14 mid-point. (Note: the A/C was on)
Should I be thinking about proactively replacing the battery?
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9 Answers
Check the water level in the battery, be careful the liquid in the battery is acid. If it is low add water to the slot. The drop in voltage while driving is probably from the alternator not putting out enough voltage. Could be alternator or just the belt needs tightening.
Battery five years old in the northern part of the country has a 50/50 chance of starting on a below zero Fahrenheit day in the US.
Willie – it’s a so-called Sealed battery (original GM equipment) – can I even check the water?
I applaud you for thinking ahead. Cold weather folks need to check batteries more often than others.
You can test it yourself with a low cost voltmeter. You can buy a cheap digital one for less than $15 .
Here’s how. to test.
First thing in the morning before starting the car the voltage should read above 12.6 volts. Now turn on the headlights to load it down. The voltage should be above 11 volts.
Have a friend crank the engine. The voltage should stay above 10.5 volts.while cranking
When it starts the alternator will put out at least 13.6 volts and may go up to about 14.8 volts.
If all three are ok then you are good to go. Don’t replace it -unless you live in a cold climate .
Think about replacing the battery before it is Sunday morning and 2 above zero @elbanditoroso. Get one with the highest CCA (cold cranking amps , that is the ability to start a cold car.)
Most batteries are usually 60 month lifespans. Once past 60 months they might last longer if you run the vehicle everyday. Or they might quit fast. You can’t tell once past the guaranteed life. There should be dates on a card on the battery showing when it was purchased.
Thanks all – I will test, as @LuckyGuy suggests, this week. And will take steps based on what I find.
Excellent advice from all of you.
Wait for it to die, then replace it.
@hogbuttons – that is exactly the problem I am trying to avoid.
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