Insights

ery replacement can cost up to $1500 depending on the make, model and cost of labor. If you want to know how much it would cost to have your car battery replaced, the best option is to get in touch with a local mechanic from a well-established car-servicing company like Enji. 

Because car batteries are so important, you really do not want to short change yourself. Paying less on a car battery can cost way more money, time and effort down the line with constant repairs, services, jump starts and breakdowns. If you look after your car (and by extension, your battery), they will both look after you.

Types of Car Batteries

There are many different makes and models of cars, and similarly there are many makes and models of automotive batteries. However, there are three main car battery designs which are used in everyday vehicles.

Flooded or “wet cell” battery

This battery is probably the most commonly used  battery on the market. This traditional style of battery contains a carefully-measured amount of liquid electrolyte which requires regular topping up with distilled water. These kinds of batteries are the most cost-effective, however unlike VLRAs and lithium ion batteries, they need maintenance in the form of ventilation, adding water to the cells, and maybe even periodic equalisations. 

Valve regulated Lead Acid Battery (VLRA)

A sealed battery, also known as an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery, functions similarly to a flooded battery in most ways, but, as the name suggests, it is sealed. Because of this, this kind of design requires much lower maintenance as it doesn’t need to be topped up with acid and it won’t spill. These are the standard  pick for people who just want to put the battery in and not worry about, and aren’t overly concerned about being the fastest, most efficient car on the road. The  lead acid battery design includes common battery types such as the calcium starting battery which are designed for great output. A down

Lithium Ion Battery

These kinds of batteries are getting more and more popular now that we are living in the age of electric cars. This is because hybrid and electric cars usually use these kinds of batteries. While they are usually a little more expensive there are a few positives of having a lithium ion battery. They are lighter than other kinds of batteries, have a longer life span and store significantly more charges. There is also a mass-movement by the government to electrify and essentially recycle electric vehicle batteries.

How Long Do Car Batteries Last?

A general rule of thumb is that a three-year-old battery is getting fairly long in the tooth. However, batteries can last up to five years depending on the model, how they are maintained and how the car is used. Driving habits, poor weather (where you use your high beams, windshield wipers and other auxiliaries) and frequent short trips will all contribute to your battery’s life duration. Your battery could last much longer than three years, however it is recommended that you have it checked every year after. If you are worried about your car battery or your car performance, it is best to get in touch with experts who can put your mind at ease. The auto electricians with Enji can give you quit quotes, service and can even organise mobile mechanics to come to you.

Symptoms of a Dead Car Battery

A dead car battery is fairly simple to diagnose. There are many signs and symptoms that your car battery is dead, dying or not functioning at its desired capacity. Some of these signs are more subtle than others, but no one knows a car like its owner, so it is highly likely you’ll notice these changes to the way your vehicle's operating.

Changes to your engine cranks

• Different noises

We become accustomed to the sounds and “feel” of our car. If you notice that the crank (the sound when you twist the key in the ignition) is slow, sluggish or less powerful, then it could be a problem with the battery.

• Engine will not crank

A very common symptom of a dead battery is that the engine will not even crank. If you turn the key in the ignition and there is no noise, no crank, no catch, then it is likely that you have a dead battery. In some cases you may hear a clicking sound when you turn the key. This is the starter solenoid struggling to perform its duties due to lack of power from the battery. Make sure you try to turn the car on while the accessories are off (radio, light etc) just to tick every box before you move on to other means.

• Engine cranks but won’t start

 In some cases you may attempt to turn on the car and it cranks, but does not catch (start). This could be another sign that your battery is fried. 

You’ve had to jump start your car a lot

Car batteries are not immortal. They have a lifespan of three to five years, and they will start to become less reliable over time. If your car is breaking down more regularly (particularly in the ways mentioned above), then it is very likely that your car battery is on its last legs. It is g

Your can see damage 

One of the simplest ways to determine whether your battery is dead, dying or in need of replacing is by simply popping the bonnet and having a look. While in most cases, the damage may not be visible, there is a chance that you can spot damage on the battery in the shape of cracks, swelling or leaking, depending on the nature of the problem with it. 

Poor performance

Another indicator of a dead or dying battery is poor performance in the accessories of the vehicle. The most common cases of poor vehicle performance due to battery problems include:

• Electronic problems

Your battery powers the electronics in your vehicle. If you have problems with your headlights, radio or dashboard, the battery is likely the culprit. It is important to remember that the more strain you place on your battery, the sooner it will die. This includes overusing your headlights, charging multiple devices or running any of the electronic functions at full power for long periods of time.

• Backfiring

Backfiring is a less subtle symptom of a dying battery. A failing battery can produce intermittent sparks which leads to an accumulation of fuel in the cylinders which have the potential to combust. The combustions cause the surges of power that cause your car to backfire.

• Check engine light is on

The check engine light is not there to be ignored, it is signalling that something is wrong with the engine. If you don’t know anything about cars, check the manual to see what the symbols on the dashboard computer mean. At least that way you have an idea of what you’re dealing with before you take it to a professional.

• The battery is old

If you’re having any of the above problems, think to yourself: “how old is my battery?”. If it is older than three years, it is probably time to get it checked anyway. 

How To Start A Car With A Flat Battery?

A dead battery is certainly not ideal, but there are ways around it. Because of the way most automobiles are engineered, there are ways to circumvent certain circuitry to get the engine turning on again. The two most common methods are the jump start and the push start.

Jump start

Jump starts are the most common method of starting a car with a dead battery, and something that you have probably all seen - if not close up, then probably by driving past some poor person and a good samaritan on the highway. Why is it called a jump start? Because the cables used to return energy to the car “jump over '' part of the circuit to close the gap temporarily. If you aren’t car-savvy, a jump start may look a little like the car is being defibrillated (well, in a way it kind of is), but it is quite an easy procedure which only takes a few minutes to complete. Be aware that you will need another car and jumper cables, and to be cautious,  as jumper cables can be harmful to people and property if not operated safely. The steps to jump start your car are as follows:

• Line up the cars:  with the dead battery with another car, bonnet to bonnet (Make sure the cars are not touching)

• Connect the red lead : Connect the red lead to the positive terminal of the working battery to the positive terminal of the flare battery. The positive terminal is indicated with a plus (+) sign.

• Connect the black lead: Connect the black jump lead to the negative terminal on the working battery and attach the other end to an “earthing point” away from the flat battery and petrol. An earthing point is simply any unpainted metal on the engine blocks. 

• Start the working car : Run the working car for about a minute. Make sure everyone stays away from the cables while the car is on.

• Start the car with a dead battery : After the other car has been on for a minute, you can try the ignition of the car with the dead battery. It should crank and the engine should catch.  

• Idle : Run both cars for five to ten minutes before turning them both off and disconnecting the cables safely.

Push start

If you have a car with a manual transmission, it is possible to start a car with a flat/dead battery without the use of jumper cables. This is called bump starting or push starting. You will still need assistance in the form of one or two friends who can push the car while you’re inside. It is quite a simple process and the steps are as follows:

1. Make sure it is a problem with the battery by testing the ignition. If there is no crank (the sound of the engine trying to catch), it is likely the battery.
2. Turn off all the utilities and accessories on the car such as the lights, wipers and radio.
3. Turn your ignition switch into the “on” position.
4. Press the clutch to the floor and place the car into first or second gear (second is preferable as it makes the crank smoother).
5. Have your friends (or whoever you can find) push the car from behind. The need to get the car rolling at about 8kms per hour.. Make sure this step is done safely, and that you communicate with them before step 3.
6. Release the clutch and give the engine a little gas.
7. Once the car starts, drive it around a little bit before turning the car off again.

Safety tips for jumping a car

• Do not try and jump start a battery that is damaged or leaking
• Do not attempt a jump start with damaged or frayed jumper cables
• Do not touch the battery with metallic objects e.g. rings, watches, necklaces.
• Cease using the cables if they begin to get hot
• Do not remove the cables while the car engine is still on
• Remove any clothing which could get caught up in the machinery 
• Do not smoke near the battery. This should be obvious, but it must be said.

Batteries are a crucial part of your vehicle's mechanics and must be taken care of, monitored, maintained and checked regularly. By looking after your car, driving it safely, getting regular services, maintenance and obtaining free battery check-ups, you can make sure you are never left stranded by a dead battery. However, accidents happen, and you should have enough information to flag down someone to jump it, push start it, or have the confidence in your knowledge to have the car battery safely and affordably replaced so you can get back on the road.