Battery Service in Pensacola, FL
Understanding Your Battery
With the drastic changes between the heat and humidity of summer in Florida, car batteries generally last between three to five years. Some may last longer – it depends on the amount of use it gets and how well it is maintained over time. By scheduling regular checks for your Buick or GMC battery, we can tell when it is starting to lose charge, and replace it before it dies.
Signs your Battery Needs to be Replaced
Sometimes, your vehicle will tell you when it needs some help. These symptoms are signs your battery needs to be brought in and inspected right away:
- Ignition clicks but the car won’t start
- Corrosion around the car battery
- The smell of rotten eggs
- The “Check Battery” light is on
- The engine starts but turns over very slowly
- Power accessories have issues, such as slow power windows or flickering interior lights
- The battery case is bloated
Prolonging the Life of Your Battery
Batteries are pretty resilient parts, but they still need help to keep their effectiveness day in and day out. Here are some easy things you can do to extend the life of your battery:
- Make sure all interior and exterior lights are off before locking your vehicle
- Inspect your battery regularly to ensure it is clean
- Don’t let your car sit for more than a few days without driving it
- Make your trips longer at times, at least 15-20 minutes of driving
- Don’t idle your car if you can turn the engine off completely
- Power accessories have issues, such as slow power windows or flickering interior lights
- Store your car in a garage or carport
Battery Terminals
Even with a fairly new battery, you may have some of the issues and symptoms mentioned above. Why? Your battery terminals may be dirty or corroded, which can prevent a battery from performing to its highest potential
Our Buick and GMC-certified service staff knows how to identify and solve issues like this by cleaning corrosion from the terminals and cable ends, spraying the terminal with anti-corrosion spray, and installing corrosion protectors to guard against further damage. By simply servicing and cleaning your existing battery, they help you avoid a more costly battery replacement.
All Batteries are Not the Same
Not every car battery is right for a specific vehicle or specific driving conditions. Not all batteries are made the same, and not all vehicles need the same batteries. That’s why it is important that you go to a Buick and GMC service expert that understands the needs for your vehicle.
It’s not just the brand of battery that makes the difference. Some batteries are different sizes, while others have different reserve capacities. Some batteries offer more cold-cranking amps and are better for colder climates. Our team of service experts considers all of these factors in discussing the right replacement battery for your Buick or GMC
The Best Battery Service in Pensacola
Buick GMC Pensacola will be sure to find the perfect battery for your car at an affordable price. Our certified service technicians work tirelessly to ensure your car is safe and running efficiently before leaving the service center. Our Buick GMC service center offers a ton of service and parts specials to help you save more with us. Want to check how much battery life your car has left? Bring your car in and we can run a test to decide if you’re good to go or if you’ll need a new battery soon. Schedule a service appointment online to save time at the dealership. Our service technicians are eager to assist you. Give us a call or stop by today to view our battery options.
What problems can a faulty car battery cause?
A weak battery can shorten the life of the alternator. The alternator has to work harder than usual if the battery is not supplying enough power. This wears out the alternator, so it does not last as long.
How do I keep my car battery healthy?
6 ways to protect your battery life:
- Regularly test your battery voltage.
- Don’t leave your car unused for long periods of time.
- Clean your battery regularly.
- When your car’s engine isn’t running, don’t use electronic accessories.
- Get your car serviced on a regular basis.
- Park your car under a cover or in a garage, away from the constant sun.
How long does a car battery last without driving?
Typically, your car can sit for about four weeks to two months without driving before the battery dies. The reason your car can sit only for so long before it dies is the fact that your car battery is in use even when you’re not behind the wheel.
How can you tell if a car battery is bad?
If the cranking of the engine is sluggish like your vehicle is harder to start on cold mornings, it starts inconsistently, or there is no sound and interior lights when you try to start, suspect a failing battery, a loose or corroded connection, or electrical draw.