Battery
The must know
Q: What is a car battery, and why should I care?
A: Your car's battery is the powerhouse that starts the engine, runs electronics like infotainment and climate control, and powers accessories even when the car's off. In premium rides like Tesla, BMW, or Mercedes hybrids/EVs, it's crucial for seamless performance—think no more dead battery surprises during school pickups or weekend escapes.
Q: How long should a car battery last?
A: Typically 3–5 years for standard batteries in gas-powered cars. Check your battery warranty if you're having issues with performance. Warranties are normally 1-3 years depending on the quality of the battery when you purchased.
Q: How do I know if my battery is failing?
A: If your car is not starting, it very well could be the battery. Warning signs include slow engine cranking, dim headlights, dashboard alerts (common in luxury models), or electronics glitching (e.g., infotainment lagging). In EVs/hybrids, you might see reduced range or charging issues. Modern cars often have apps (like MyBMW or Tesla app) that monitor battery health remotely.
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Q: Should I buy a new battery or just recharge it?
A. If you're toward the end of your 5 year typical battery life, it's probably a good idea to go ahead and purchase a new one. If it's been under 3 years, be sure to check the warranty and either recharge or replace it if necessary.
Q: How can I test my battery myself?
A: Grab a digital battery load tester that will tell you what kind of condition the battery is in. Perform the test that involves cranking the engine (i.e. turn key on), as this shows a more accurate reflection of the battery under a heavy load. A good reading will show voltage results of 10.5 or higher.
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Q: Should I do something about the corrosion around the battery terminals?
A: Keep terminals clean (wipe corrosion with baking soda/water mix as needed). Excessive corrosion will prevent the battery from working properly.
Q: How much do car batteries cost?
A: Batteries for typical cars are normally: $100–$200. Premium batteries that use AGM (absorbed glass mat) technology are more expensive: $200–$400.
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Q: Any quick tips for hassle-free battery maintenance?
If it's in your budget, keep a jump pack ($50–$100) in the trunk for emergencies. It's usually pretty easy to jump start your vehicle if the jump pack is fully charged. Simply latch the red clip on your red battery terminal and your black on the black battery terminal. Ensure the jump pack is on, and then attempt to restart your engine. In some rare circumstances, the battery may be so dead that it needs to be replaced on the spot.