No one wants to be stranded by a dead car battery. But batteries don’t last forever, and replacing the one in your vehicle is an inevitability. The key is to watch for signs that your battery may be declining and replace it before it expires. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a new car battery from your car dealer in Flint, MI.
Signs Your Battery May Be Going Bad

Drivers are often surprised when they try to start their car and discover the battery has died. But most vehicles offer early warning signs that the battery is in decline. If it takes several tries to get your vehicle started in the morning, or if the power windows and other electrical components on the car are operating sluggishly, you may be due for a new battery.
The battery itself may also show signs of wear. If you notice a sulfuric smell beneath the hood of your car, your battery may be leaking an acidic fluid that is mixing with the hydrogen gas batteries create. Significant corrosion on the metal parts of the battery is another physical sign that you may need a replacement.
How Long You Can Expect Your Battery to Last
As a general rule of thumb, car batteries last three or four years. However, the life of your battery is influenced by several factors, including the climate and the frequency with which you drive the vehicle.
Year-round heat, which we don’t have to worry about here in Michigan, tends to drain batteries faster than colder climates. And if you only use the vehicle to make short, infrequent trips, the battery won’t last as long. If you don’t drive much and your commute is short, it’s a good idea to get the car out for a longer drive every week or so to extend the battery’s charge.
What To Expect When Having Battery Service Performed
Once your battery hits the two or three-year mark, be sure to have it periodically tested. This gives you an idea of the health of the battery and gives you time to replace it if it is declining. And when it’s time to replace it, the installation of a new battery won’t take long. New battery installation is a fast, straightforward service appointment, and you’ll be back on the road in no time.
Maintaining your vehicle’s battery is easy if you follow a few simple rules of thumb. If you’re worried about the health of your battery, or if you’re ready to schedule your next service department, reach out to one of the dealerships in the Randy Wise Auto Group.
