Car Battery Maintenance 101: Extending Your Vehicle Battery’s Life in Spirit Lake, Iowa

 

Wintertime in Iowa is brutal on your car — especially the battery. When daily temperatures drop below freezing, your vehicle endures severe stress to operate. This includes draining the battery by using twice the current as usual to start the engine. Here’s how you can prepare your car battery to survive winter in Spirit Lake, Iowa.

How Long Do Car Batteries Typically Last?

Here are some easy ways to make your car battery last longer here in Iowa:

• Drive your car at least twice every week
• Habitually drive long distances at highway speeds rather than only short, nearby trips
• Ensure no electronics are draining the battery when the car isn’t in use, such as dome lights or phone chargers
• Keep the cable connections secure and terminals corrosion-free
• Park your car in the garage to protect it from cold during the winter

What Are Signs That My Car Battery Needs Replaced?

Most people discover that their car battery is dead when their vehicle’s engine won’t start. However, you can catch a dying battery before this happens if you look for these signs:

• Illuminated check engine or battery light on the dashboard
• Slow-moving windshield wipers
• Physical deformities on the battery like bulging, leaks, or corrosion
• Multiple attempts to start the engine
• Battery has reached 5 years in age
• Have the battery checked by a mechanic for its charge level

How Can I Get My Car Battery Replaced In Spirit Lake, Iowa?

You can bring your car to a mechanic like here at the Motor Inn of Spirit Lake service center. In one short appointment, our technicians can replace your old car battery with a new one and conveniently, properly dispose of the old unit. Contact our dealership in Spirit Lake for battery service before your car’s engine won’t start and you’re left in the cold this winter.