how long does it take to change a car battery
welocome to solsarin. today we will find out ”how long does it take to change a car battery” then we will discuss why and when you change your car battery.
How long does a car battery replacement take?
It actually depends on the type of car, but, normally, it will only take less than 30 minutes to replace a car battery.
(how long does it take to change a car battery):WHEN IS IT TIME FOR A NEW BATTERY?
“If I only knew sooner.” Yep, we’ve all been there before. Fortunately, there are a few symptoms that may indicate your battery needs attention. Before it’s too late.
SLOW ENGINE CRANK
When you attempt to start the vehicle, the cranking of the engine is sluggish and takes longer than normal to start.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
The check engine light sometimes appears when your battery power is weak.
LOW BATTERY FLUID LEVEL
Car batteries typically have a part of the casing that’s translucent so you can always keep an eye on your battery’s fluid level. If the fluid level is below the lead plates : (energy conductor:) inside, it’s time to have the battery and charging system tested.
SWELLING, BLOATING BATTERY CASE
If your battery casing looks like this you can blame excessive heat for causing your battery case to swell, decreasing your battery life.
BATTERY LEAK
Leaking also causes corrosion around the posts : (where the + and – cable connections are located.: ) The gunk may need to be removed; otherwise, your car may not start.
OLD AGE
Your battery can last well beyond three years but, at the very least, have its current condition inspected on a yearly basis when it reaches the three-year mark.
a flat battery
A flat battery is one of the most common causes for cars not starting so how do you keep it in tip top condition, and if it does let you down, how long does it take to charge a car battery, which is the best method of recharging it and what are the warning signs that your battery is on its way out?
What causes a battery to go flat?
A flat battery can be caused by a number of things, such as lights being left on, something in the electrical system causing a battery drain, or even a faulty battery that won’t hold its charge. Corrosion and cold weather and general wear and tear can also cause your battery to fail meaning it could be time to buy a new one, or inject new life into the old one.
How long do car batteries last?
Not everyone agrees on how long a car battery will last for. Conventional thought is about four years, but some people will tell you that up to six years is possible.
The lifespan of your battery depends on a number of factors:
Canada’s harsher climate, with colder winters and hotter, humid summers mean the battery’s overall capacity could drop.
Vibration is also an enemy of battery longevity, and you need to make sure your car’s battery is securely fastened under the hood with all the necessary brackets and bolts.
Using in-car electronics can also tax the battery because so many features need power. Windshield wipers, headlights, heating/AC, car stereo, GPS navigation, backup cameras, and assisted driving functions, among others, all work off the battery.
Voltage recharge rates can also play a role.
Like fast smartphone charging where a large chunk recharges in a shorter time with the rest staggered out over a longer period, car batteries don’t hit 100% capacity automatically. For example, it may take seven hours to recharge up to 80-90%, and then take several hours to finish off the remaining 10-20%.
For that reason, shorter driving distances done frequently could actually reduce the long-term battery power sooner.
This can also happen with “undercharging” caused by increased corrosion or leaving lights on overnight, for example. Constant undercharging leads to acid stratification, where the battery stays at a lower charge (below 80%) and never gets fully charged.
When should you replace a car battery?
It’s hard to truly gauge a battery’s health from the outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t glean at least some insight into it. One of the telltale signs that something isn’t right is a slow crank. When you hear the car wheezing during ignition, especially when the weather isn’t cold, something might be amiss.
That may be caused by a weakened alternator not charging the battery fast enough, so it may not be the battery, specifically.
But there are a couple of checks you can do that will help you determine whether you need a new battery soon or not.
How to check your car battery for damage
A good rule of thumb is to start inspecting the battery more frequently after three years. There are two checks you should do: an eye test and a load test.
1. The eye test
The eye test is simply a visual inspection when you lift the hood. Look for corrosion around the cell connectors or posts holding the battery, cracks on top of or down the side of the battery, a fraying or broken cable, or unusual stains. Any of these signs indicate your battery might need to be replaced soon. Also, a smell of sulfuric acid should not be ignored. This diagram highlights which parts of the battery should be checked during a visual inspection:
2. The load test
You can do a load test to gauge capacity and charge with a handheld multimeter (or voltmeter), which you can pick up at almost any hardware or automotive store:
Set the multimeter to 20 DC volts.
Lift the hood and match the prongs to the negative (black) and positive (red) terminals on the battery.
Push the start button. You don’t need to turn the car on yet.
What you’re looking for is a reading that maintains 9.6 volts.
If it hits that mark and then steadily drops, that’s not a good sign.
If it immediately drops to zero, that’s also a problem.
Turn on the engine and look for the measurement to hit 12.6 volts or so. If it’s lower than 12.2 volts or higher than 12.9 volts, then your battery either needs a slow charge or the removal of excess charge.
You can remove the excess charge by connecting your high beam headlights.
If your battery is undercharged, you can also trickle charge with an electric cord with a plug and two jumper cables with alligator clips to latch onto the negative and positive terminals.
When it comes to long-term health, a slower charge benefits a battery more than a faster one does.
If it seems like your car battery is consistently losing its ability to hold a charge over time, it might be time to buy a new one.
How long does a car battery last without charging?
Picture yourself parked and waiting in the pick-up line, waiting for your kids after school. Since you can’t idle, you’re listening to the radio when you lose all power.
The battery has died.
It could be in various situations – waiting in line for a ferry, leaving the lights on, or leaving a charger plugged into the power outlet. How long will your car battery last without starting the engine to charge it?
The answer varies depending on several factors:
- The age and condition of your battery
- Your battery’s style and design, including its reserve power
The power demands from your accessoriesA normal radio could play literally all day and your battery will still have the necessary power to start the engine, as is the case with most charging accessories inside. An amplified radio or a newer vehicle with a large infotainment screen might have only an hour or two in reserve.
If you’ve left the lights on, how long your battery lasts depends heavily on whether it’s your headlights or interior lights,
as well as if they’re normal halogen headlights or LED lights.
It can range from just 30 minutes to several hours with headlights, and even days with the interior light left on.
If your battery dies after listening to the radio for less than an hour or a light left on kills the battery quickly,
there’s a good chance it isn’t holding a full charge anymore and needs to be replaced.
WHAT DOES A CAR BATTERY DO
Before we charge ahead, you should know what a car battery does. It serves two purposes:
1. IT GIVES YOUR CAR THE POWER IT NEEDS TO START.
The battery delivers voltage to the starter by transforming chemical energy into electrical energy.
2. IT KEEPS YOUR CAR RUNNING.
The car battery provides a steady stream of voltage to keep your engine and accessories running (like your radio, headlights, and any onboard computers).
When your battery is too weak or old, it can’t do either of these things.
You might need to charge your car battery if your engine is sluggish or slow to start, or if your battery is completely dead.
Beyond starting your car, charging your battery can help clue you in to whether or not it’s time for a new one. For example, leaving an interior light on overnight will drain your battery, but if the battery is “healthy” then it should quickly recharge. A battery that needs to be replaced, however, won’t hold a charge or will need to be recharged multiple times.
