How Often to Replace a Car Battery

While every part of your vehicle is important, the battery is possibly the most critical component. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to start your car! Like most of your vehicle’s components, car batteries don’t last forever and eventually need to be replaced. Experts generally agree that the average car battery lasts 4 to 5 years, although there are a few factors on the Marble Falls roads that can either prolong or shorten its lifespan. The service team at Jim Hoffpauir, Inc. has everything you need to know about how to know if your car battery needs to be replaced, how to test a car battery, and more in the guide below!

How to Know if Your Car Battery Needs to Be Replaced

So, how will you know if it’s time to replace your battery? Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that your battery is wearing out. If you spot any of the following whiles you’re out and about around Copperas Cove, head to the Jim Hoffpauir, Inc. service center to get a replacement battery as soon as possible:

• Headlights are dimmer than usual
• The battery needs to be jump-started often
• Your car’s engine doesn’t turn over right away when you start it
• You experience unusual power fluctuations

How to Test a Car Battery

If you’re not sure whether your car battery is wearing out or not, there are two ways you can test it to see if it’s running properly: the headlight test and the digital multimeter test. The headlight test is the most convenient, but a digital multimeter will give you a more precise answer. Here’s what to do:

Headlight Test: 

1. Start your car, keep it parked, and turn on your headlights. 
2. Rev the engine and watch to see if the brightness of your headlights changes.
3. If you notice fluctuations in the brightness, it’s an indication that the current from the battery isn’t strong enough when idling, and you should bring your vehicle into Jim Hoffpauir, Inc. for further assessment.

Digital Multimeter:

1. Open the hood of your car and set the voltmeter to 20 DC volts. Then touch the negative terminal (black) to the negative meter probe (also black).
2. Repeat this step by touching the positive terminal (red) with the positive meter probe (also red).
3. Have someone turn on your vehicle’s headlights, and check the voltmeter reading.
4. At a temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, 12.5 volts or higher indicates a full charge; 12.3 volts indicates a 75% charge; 11.8 volts or lower indicates a 25% or less charge.

How Much is a Replacement Car Battery?

When it comes time to replace your battery, the first question you’re probably asking is “How much is a replacement car battery?” Fortunately, standard batteries tend not to be too pricey in the grand scheme of things, usually costing between $75 and $120. If your car requires a premium battery, it can cost up to $200, while hybrid batteries tend to be priced higher since they’re more powerful. Our parts center can give you a more specific estimate for your vehicle.

Keep Your Battery In Top Condition at Jim Hoffpauir, Inc.

If your battery is wearing out, and you want to get it replaced, go ahead and schedule a service appointment with Jim Hoffpauir, Inc.! We’ll take care of everything and get you safely back on the Llano roads in no time. You can also contact us to learn more about the other services we offer, and a member of our team will be happy to help you. Be sure to check out our service specials if you’re looking to save on your appointment!