Your car battery is one of the more critical parts of your car. If your battery suddenly fails, you could be stranded somewhere, and maybe at the inopportune time and place – perhaps late at night. You want to be sure to replace your battery at your convenience. So you should watch for the signs that it might need replacing.
Car batteries in Florida last two to three years on average, which is half the car battery life of colder areas in the United States. That’s because Florida’s hot weather takes a toll on the lead-acid batteries found in most cars. However, the speed at which the life of your car battery declines depends on other factors, too, such as your driving habits and how often you get routine maintenance.
The main thing to watch for is what happens when you start your car. If it makes that funny sound and struggles to start that is a pretty good indicator that the battery might be on the way out.
If you get a check engine light, a failing battery could cause that. It is not unusual for a battery to struggle in cold weather, but if it performs worse than usual, that could be a sign.
Finally, if you smell an odor like rotten eggs, it could be your battery leaking. If you have a question about your battery, call Lim.
Lim’s Auto Body is a full service auto body and mechanical repair shop locally owned and operated in Largo, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.limsautobody.com or call (727) 422-3232.
Often when you get your oil changed the attendant may suggest additional services. One of them might be changing your brake fluid. That brings up the question – how often should you change your brake fluid? The best way to find out how often to change brake fluid is to follow your manufacturer’s recommendations. Some manufacturers say you should replace your brake fluid every two years. Others recommend every three years, or every 45,000 miles.