Do I Need to Replace a Dead Car Battery?
2 Answers
You don't need to replace a dead car battery; simply recharge it. A car battery, also known as a storage battery, works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Here are some maintenance tips for your car battery: 1. Avoid parking your car in open-air parking lots for extended periods. If you need to leave it parked long-term, remove the battery and take it with you. 2. Avoid repeatedly starting the vehicle without intervals. 3. Start the car periodically to keep the battery charged. 4. Regularly check the battery's components and connecting wires. 5. Clean the battery terminals periodically and apply special grease to protect the wiring harness. 6. Avoid using car electronics after the engine is turned off.
Last time my car wouldn't start, the repair shop diagnosed it as a dead battery. The mechanic said car batteries typically last about three years, and since mine was four years old, he recommended immediate replacement. Actually, you should first determine whether it's completely dead or just temporarily discharged: if jump-starting works and the car can restart after running for half an hour then shutting off, the battery might still have some life left. But if it frequently dies or the headlights dim intermittently, there's an 80% chance the internal plates are sulfated and need replacing. When getting a new one, make sure to choose one with a CCA (cold cranking amps) rating that matches your vehicle's requirements - brands like Varta or Fengfan tend to be more durable. Avoid frequently listening to music or charging devices with the engine off, as this really strains the battery. By the way, some modern batteries have inspection windows - green indicates good condition, while black means it's time for a replacement.
