Your car battery provides the power to start your car, and it also maintains your car’s electrical systems when your engine is switched off. A car battery has a limited life, and it will eventually run down and fail. As your Kia dealer, we’d like you to know the signs that you’re going to need a new car battery.
Your Battery Is Old
A car battery has a lifespan of three to five years before it wears out and needs to be replaced. This lifespan can be affected by weather conditions, driving conditions, and driving style. As your battery ages, it becomes more difficult to recharge, and its maximum changing ability also decreases. These two circumstances will eventually cause your battery to wear out completely.
As your dealer, we recommend that you have a battery test after three years. We have the technology to test your battery and gauge its probable lifespan. Our technicians will be able to advise you if your battery is still in good condition or if it needs to be replaced. If a replacement is needed, we always have stock of the correct type of battery for your car.
A Weak Alternator
Your battery uses a large amount of power to cause the starter motor to crank your engine. This drain on the battery isn’t usually a problem, as your alternator should begin recharging your battery as soon as your engine starts. Your alternator provides all of the electrical power for your car while your engine is running, but it will also start to wear down with age.
As your alternator gets older, it will produce less power. Eventually, your alternator won’t supply enough power for all of your car’s electrical systems. This lack of power will also affect the battery, as your alternator will provide less power to replace the energy your battery uses. Your battery will slowly grow weaker and will fail. Our technicians can test your alternator and replace it if it failed.
Swollen Battery Case
A thick plastic casing protects the contents of your battery. Your battery contains sulfuric acid, copper plates, and other items that must be protected from damage by dirt and debris. As mentioned, climatic conditions can cause a battery to fail, and extremes of heat and cold will damage the battery casing. Extreme weather will also affect the chemical balance and reactions inside your battery.
If your battery is regularly exposed to extreme weather, you can check its condition by popping the hood and examining it. If your battery show signs of distortion or that it’s starting to bulge out from the inside, your battery is seriously damaged. We cant repair a battery, but we can replace it with a new one.
A dead battery could leave you stranded and in need of a jump start. If your battery shows any signs that it’s failing, call our service department ASAP at Crain Kia of Sherwood. Our highly trained technicians will examine the battery and replace it if necessary.
Image via Kia.



Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.