What is the average life of a car battery?

Average Life of a Car Battery and When to Consider Replacement

What is the average life of a car battery? On average, a car battery's lifetime ranges from 3 to 5 years. Several factors influence how long a battery will last, including driving styles, weather conditions, maintenance, and the type of battery. Car batteries tend to last longer in moderate climates with consistent temperatures and minimal temperature extremes. However, battery life may be shortened in regions with extreme temperatures or frequent temperature fluctuations.

Factors That Trigger Car Battery Replacement

Below are factors that help answer "What is the average life of a car battery?"

1. Climate: Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can affect the lifespan of a car battery. In scorching heat, the fluid inside the battery evaporates faster, leading to damage. In contrast, cold temperatures hamper the chemical reactions required for the battery to function optimally.
2. Driving Habits: Frequent short trips and stop-and-go driving don't allow the battery to fully recharge, leading to a gradual decrease in capacity over time.
3. Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as keeping the battery terminals clean, ensuring proper connections, and checking the battery's state of charge, can extend its lifespan. Neglecting maintenance can lead to a buildup of corrosion, which may cause electrical issues.
4. Battery Quality: Investing in a high-quality battery with a good reputation can significantly affect its longevity.

Signs That You Need A Car Battery Replacement

Recognizing the warning signs of a failing battery can help prevent getting stranded during the rainy season or any other time of the year.

1. Slow Engine Crank: If the engine cranks slowly when starting the car, it may indicate a weak battery that needs replacement.
2. Dimming Lights: Dimming headlights or interior lights while the engine is idling or during startup can signal a battery nearing the end of its life.
3. Dashboard Warning Lights: If the battery-shaped warning light or "check engine" light comes on, it's essential to have the battery and charging system checked.
4. Unusual Smell: A sulfurous or rotten egg smell around the battery may indicate a leak, which can lead to failure.
5. Age of the Battery: If the battery is over 3 years old, it's prudent to be tested regularly and consider a replacement.

Conclusion

While the average life of a car battery is around 3 to 5 years, several factors influence its long life. Regular maintenance and quality battery choices can contribute to a trouble-free driving experience and ensure reliable vehicle performance for years.

Want to know more about what is the average life of a car battery? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Expert Car Care for more information about a car battery replacement and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

What does an exhaust system consist of?

Many people may not know what an exhaust system does, but this is an essential component of your car. It helps clean the engine by getting rid of the toxic fumes that you would otherwise be breathing in. The system also removes a lot of heat from the engine which means less energy it needs to work and your car will use less fuel.

What does an exhaust system consist of?

An exhaust system consists of a pipe running from the engine and out through the vehicle, a muffler that helps to reduce the noise, along with catalyst that helps to reduce the amount of toxic gases produced by the engine. Now that we've answered the question what does an exhaust system consist of, let's look at why keeping this system running smoothly is essential.

Why you should handle any muffler repair problems

1. To eliminate toxic fumes

Exhaust gases contain toxins such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen dioxide. These toxins can cause damage to your health if you are exposed to them for an extended period of time. The pollutants are also linked to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems.

The muffler will help eliminate the fumes that are emitted from the car. This will also reduce any damage to people's health in your neighborhood.

2. For the car to run more efficiently

A muffler helps to reduce the amount of heat that is produced by the engine. This means that it can run cooler and with less fuel. This will mean that your car will have an extended engine life as well as save you money at the gas station.

3. Reduce noise pollution

Cars are not meant to be quiet, so hearing the car engine is okay. However, it should not be too loud or it can be annoying and even painful when you have to listen to it for a prolonged period of time.

Your car will produce less noise when you have a muffler in place and this also means that you do not need to worry about disturbing other people.

Your car needs an exhaust system to work effectively. If you have any concerns about the condition of your muffler, contact a mechanic today and get it repaired.

Wondering what does a full exhaust system service consist of? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for more information about mufflers and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

How often should you get new tires for your car?

Mechanics and car manufacturers have a consensus that tires usually last 6 years before being them with new ones. Tire maintenance plays a critical role in ensuring that your tires last the entirety of the 6 years. Some of these practices include inspecting tire pressure and rotating it annually. However, as a car owner, you want to know when and how often should you get new tires for your car.

When to Replace Your Tires?

Tires have grooves embedded within them called treads that help the vehicle grip the road. Treads wear over time, resulting in reduced traction, and increased braking time, and pose a challenge when steering. A tread depth at 2/32nds of an inch is deemed unsafe and necessitates new tire replacement. You can inspect the treads using a penny or tread gauges.

How Often Should You Get New Tires for Your Car?

Several factors determine the frequency of replacing worn-out tires with new tires. When replacing tires, ask yourself when was the last time you changed them, if the car is old, and the distance you drive weekly to gauge your mileage.

Mileage

A general rule of thumb is to change your tires every 25K to 50K miles. When buying a used or pre-owned vehicle, it is important to inspect the total mileage on its dashboard. The figures would indicate how soon you would want new tires.

Duration

Most vehicle specialists recommend changing tires every 6 years. If you are driving constantly, you should replace the tires before 6 years. Conversely, if you go less often, you can take a few additional years on top of the 6 years.

You should use the date information provided by the tire manufacturer on the tires to determine when to change them. When a tire is manufactured, the week and year are printed on the outside of the tire as a four-digit number. The first two digits designate the week and the last two digits year of manufacture.

All vehicle owners need to know the benefits of changing their tires and how often they should do it. Old tires can affect how your vehicle brakes and steers, leading to accidents. Replacing your tires would help prevent avoidable damages and loss of lives.

Wonder how often should you get new tires for your car? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Expert Car Care to find out more about tire repair services and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

What are the symptoms of bad automotive shocks?

Automotive Shocks are a crucial component of any vehicle's suspension system. They ensure a smooth and stable ride, providing optimal control and handling even on the roughest roads. Automotive Shocks are designed to last for many years, but wear and tear on the components can cause them to fail over time.

When this happens, it's important to be aware of any symptoms indicating that your automotive shocks are no longer functioning properly. This could include decreased handling and braking performance, increased wear and tear on other suspension components, reduced tire grip, damage to the car axles and stability, and reduced passenger comfort. In this article, we'll explore what are the symptoms of bad automotive shocks and the potential consequences of driving with them.

Symptoms Of Bad Automotive Shocks

1. Poor steering response Poor steering response is often a sign of bad automotive shocks. This is because bad automotive shocks can cause the steering to feel loose or unresponsive, making it difficult to control the vehicle. The automotive shocks also help stabilize the vehicle, so when they are not working properly, it can decrease control and alignment of the car axles.
2. Uneven tire wear Bad Automotive shocks cause your tires to wear as they cannot be properly planted on the road, making them bounce and wear unevenly. This demonstrates the need for quality automotive shocks to keep your tires in good condition.
3. Vibrations or rattling noises Bad Automotive shocks can cause annoying or unsettling vibrations or rattling noises when driving on bumpy or rough roads. The vibrations can be felt throughout the vehicle, and the rattling noise can become increasingly loud, interrupting the smooth ride expected from well-maintained automotive shocks. The noises and vibrations can make driving less safe, impeding control over the steering and stability of the vehicle.

Consequences Of Driving With Bad Automotive Shocks

1. Reduced handling and braking performance Bad Automotive shocks reduce the dampening effect between the tires and the road, making it harder to steer and stop the vehicle. This reduces the vehicle's overall performance, making it more difficult to handle and increasing the risk of an accident.
2. Decreased tire grip and stability Bad Automotive shocks can decrease the contact between the tires and the road, causing them to lose grip and stability, reducing traction, and increasing the risk of accidents.
3. Reduced comfort for passengers Driving with bad Automotive shocks can be uncomfortable for passengers and make concentrating difficult, increasing the risk of accidents. It can cause tiredness, sore muscles, and awkward vibrations.

Need to know more about what are the symptoms of bad automotive shocks? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care to schedule an inspection of your suspension system, including the car axles. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

What car maintenance needs to be done?

Cold Weather Vehicle Maintenance

Keeping up with your car's maintenance will help you avoid costly repairs and reduce the chance of getting into an accident. Remember the importance of changing your vehicle's oil, understanding your tire tread, and having a basic understanding of car parts. Vehicles need to be maintained frequently to ensure they are ready for whatever you’re driving might throw at them. This information will enable you to understand the maintenance of your car better. Different components make up the maintenance of a car, each having an essential role in keeping your vehicle on the road; these include

Tires

Vehicle maintenance is an essential part of being a responsible driver. A tire comprises three layers: tread, casing, and steel belts. Tire treads make up your car's surface and provide traction in driving. Checking the tire tread will help you assess when your tires are too worn to be on the road. The track determines the type of surface you are driving on and changes over time depending on how much you drive in wet weather conditions or ice-covered roads. The steel belts give the tire flexibility, and the casing provides a barrier between the steel belts and tread. Tires may have tire pressure sensors that alert a driver when there is a low tire pressure or a slow leak within their car's tires.

What car maintenance needs to be done should generally depend on the type of car you have and its age. Maintenance is an integral part of being a responsible car owner. Many states require that a certified, registered mechanic inspect your vehicle bi-annually to ensure it is safe to be on the road and that it passes inspection. Have your car serviced on time by professionals to help you avoid mechanics who may not know how to service a particular make or model.

To keep your car safe and running, you must get all the necessary oil changes and checkups. Additionally, a car's air filters can also get dirty, meaning you need to make sure that they are replaced as needed. In total, it's recommended that both oil changes and air filter replacements be done every six months or 7500 miles. You can replace the air filter in your car by following this guide. You need to ensure that you get your car's fluids checked regularly. Many vehicles come with oil that needs to be topped off every 500 miles, while gasoline should be topped off every 10,000 miles. You must have your car's fluids checked every six months or 7,500 miles. Here's what you can do to check your car's fluids yourself.

Make sure that you keep your wipers in good working order too. It would help if you replaced your wipers when you see they are not working as well as when the car was new. You can find out what type of wiper is on your car by looking up the make and model online or checking under the windshield. Also, ensure that you stay on top of things like battery maintenance. Your car battery's health can be affected by the number of times that you drive your car. If you have a lot of mileage on your battery, likely, it will only last for a short time. Getting a new battery installed every one to three years or every 7,500 miles is best. You can find out how to change your car's battery here.

What car maintenance needs to be done is often a question that is asked by drivers who are still determining what they need to do to keep their cars running in good condition. Knowing what you need to have done and when you should have it done is essential. Above, you've read a list of tips that will help you stay on top. This way, you can continue driving your car quickly, knowing it's in good working order and safe too. Vehicle maintenance is vital when it comes to ensuring your safety while driving.

Want to know what car maintenance needs to be done? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about vehicle maintenance and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

How often should you get your car ac serviced?

How often should you get your car ac serviced? Regular maintenance of your car's air conditioning system is essential to ensure it functions optimally during the sweltering summer months. It is advisable to have your car's AC serviced at an ASE-certified car air conditioner shop at least once a year.

Though, the frequency of servicing may vary depending on factors such as the vehicle’s age, usage frequency, and operating environment. For instance, if you frequently drive in dusty or humid situations, you may want to service your car AC more often.

Periodic servicing of your car AC is crucial as it helps maintain the system, ensuring that it operates smoothly and efficiently. Over time, you want car ac repair because dirt and debris can accumulate in the system, negatively impacting its performance and leading to increased energy consumption. This, in turn, can cause higher fuel consumption and, eventually, more significant expenses.

When you take your car to a certified car air conditioner shop for servicing, a technician will inspect the system for leaks, clean or change the air filter, and verify the refrigerant levels. They will also conduct a comprehensive check of the system to ensure that it is working properly.

To summarize, to avoid experiencing overheating issues during the summer months, it is compulsory to have your car AC regularly serviced at a certified car air conditioner shop. However, the frequency of servicing may vary depending on various factors, and it is essential to consult with a mechanic to determine the appropriate schedule for your vehicle. Regular servicing of your car AC is crucial to ensuring its optimal performance, decreasing fuel consumption, and ultimately saving you money.

Need to know more about how often should you get your car AC serviced? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Expert Car Care for more information about a car AC repair and service and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

How Do You Know If Your Car Needs An Oil Change?

Because of the technological advancements in today’s vehicles as well as in oil products, there is a lot of controversy about the oil change interval.  Some say that newer vehicles only require oil changes about every 10k miles, while others still adhere to the 3k mile interval.  The best advice is to follow the guidelines listed in your owner’s manual.  Or, your auto mechanic can also let you know when it’s time for the next oil change and what type of oil is best for your car.

How do you know if your car needs an oil change, you ask?  Here are some obvious signs of dirty oil or low oil level:

• Engine noises,
• Engine Overheating,
• hard starts and rough idling,
• low oil indicator light illuminates 
• misfiring and lack of power

Keeping fresh clean oil in your car helps prevent oil deposits from clogging the lines of the motor, which could result in damage to the engine. Just remember that the cost of an oil change service is much less than a major engine repair!  Check with your auto shop for oil change coupons to help with the cost.

Here are some oil change tips for the best engine health:

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended intervals for oil changes listed in your owner’s manual.
• Schedule regular inspections of the engine—especially if you start to experience any of the engine issues listed above. 
• Use the type of oil recommended in your vehicle’s service manual unless you choose to use synthetic oil.
• Use a high-quality oil filter and change it at every oil change service.
• Additives could react chemically with your oil and cause harm so use them with caution.

Oil Change Tip:  Many auto repair shops offer discount oil change coupons to help customers keep their vehicles operating as efficiently and safely as possible. 

Have more questions about how do you know if your car needs an oil change?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care to request an appointment and ask about our oil change coupons.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.