Car Battery Testing

What Does a Car Battery Do?

Every vehicle on the road contains a battery, even if it’s not an electric vehicle. What’s the go there?

What is a Battery?

Before explaining what your car battery does, let's take a moment to talk about what a battery is.

A battery is a device that stores chemical energy and converts it into a usable form of energy on demand. Batteries are useful because they can store energy which can be used later, but what exactly is that energy needed for in a car?

The Purpose of a Car Battery

A battery is an essential part of any vehicle's electrical system, and serves several important functions:

• Starting the engine: To start the main internal combustion engine, a very powerful electric current is needed to operate the starter motor. This turns the engine over, giving a chance for fuel and air to enter.
• Powering electrical systems and accessories: The battery supplies power to various systems in the vehicle, such as the headlights, taillights, power windows, central locking as well as the computer that runs the engine. It’s vital that this computer has power before the engine fires up, as it controls fuel delivery, spark timing and more.
• Regulating voltage: Batteries function as a voltage regulator by absorbing spikes in your alternator output as well as supplying extra current in the event that your vehicle draws more than your alternator is supplying such as if you have a massive aftermarket stereo and subwoofer setup. Minor voltage fluctuations are normal in a functioning vehicle.

While the engine is running, the alternator provides a charge to replenish the battery, making sure that you have enough energy to start the engine next time you get in to drive your car.

How Long Does a Battery Last?

The engine bay of a car is a tough environment for a car battery, and the lifespan of a battery varies widely depending on several factors, including:

• Battery type
• Battery quality
• The climate in which the vehicle is driven.
• How the vehicle is used.

Some batteries may last only a few years, while others can last up to 10 years or more.

On average, a typical car battery lasts roughly 3 to 5 years. Hot or cold climates could decrease the life expectancy of your battery, but typically only when used extensively in those conditions. A cold snap or heatwave isn’t going to kill your battery.

It’s hard to gauge exactly how long a battery will last, even batteries from a premium brand. We’ve seen 10 year old vehicles with the original battery from the factory, while it’s not unheard of for some vehicles to routinely require new batteries every 24 months.

Fortunately, there are multiple signs that your battery is faulty and needs replacement that you can check for, without the need for specialist tools and diagnostic equipment. Look out for:

• Difficulties starting your engine, including sluggish turnover
• Corrosion around the battery terminals
• A cracked, damaged or swollen battery case

Are Car Batteries Expensive?

The price of a new car battery varies greatly and depends on a few factors:

• The size of the engine
• The physical size of the battery
• The energy rating requirement of your battery
• Whether the vehicle has start-stop technology
• Whether your vehicle is stock or is modified (extra accessories require more power)

As such it’s not easy to give a one-size-fits all quote, but reach out today and tell us what vehicle you have and we’ll give you a price in just a few minutes.

The cost of a car battery will vary depending on the type of batter your manufacturer recommends.

The standard lead-acid car batteries, found in most vehicles, are the least expensive.

Higher-end batteries with more advanced features, such as those made with absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology, featuring vibration resistance, sealed designs and longer lifespans typically cost more.

Battery cost also depends on the size of the battery. Larger batteries, which are typically found in 4WDs, SUVs and camper vans, tend to be more expensive than smaller batteries that are used in sedans and compact cars. Most diesel powered vehicles require a heavier duty battery for starting purposes.

How do You Book a Battery Test?

You can book a battery test by visiting Midas Narre Warren, conveniently located at Unit 2/1 Len Thomas Pl, Narre Warren.

While your vehicle is being assessed by our friendly and experienced team, ask us about a coffee voucher from our friends down at Vesper cafe. We’re only a few minutes walk away from shopping centres and homemaker stores too!