Does Your BMW Need a New Battery?

All car parts have a lifespan, and when replacement is necessary, it should happen as soon as possible. When it comes to your battery, you can't have a fully functioning BMW unless this critical component is fully functioning as well. So how can you tell if it's time for a new one?

Average Lifespan

The first question that most drivers ask when it comes to their batteries is how long they can go without replacing it. This, of course, depends on how well you take care of it, your driving habits, and whether or not you've entrusted your vehicle to a local BMW certified technician. However, when assuming that your usage has been normal and your maintenance has been good, a common average to consider is between two and five years. Still, if you've gotten into the habit of taking frequent and brief trips or haven't paid much attention to common warning signs, especially during the winter, this could be quite a bit shorter.

Winter Worries

All car parts do their job best within a certain temperature range. Your battery is no exception. It will have trouble facilitating the necessary current for healthy ignition in winter conditions, and the acid-water mixture inside will also struggle to do its job when the temperature falls too low. However, battery failure in winter is actually more likely to happen if the battery has been worn down by the high temperatures of summer. For a battery that is on its last legs, the cold months often end up being the final straw, and this is why timing your replacement wisely is so important. The last thing you want is to be stranded on a cold day.

Symptoms to Look For

The signs of a dying car battery are pretty substantial, and they're not ones you're likely to miss. For example, one of the biggest signs that it's time to replace your car battery is that your vehicle simply won't start. Another sign is that the lights will be dimmer than they regularly are. Are there more signs? You bet! Here are a few to look out for:

• Malfunction with electrical systems like the car radio or air conditioner
• Vehicle doesn't start when you try the ignition, then starts on a second try
• Vehicle systems stop working or function incorrectly, such as an auto-dimming mirror

These are small things, but if you pay attention to your vehicle regularly, they are signs you'll notice over time. What should you do if you notice any of these? Replace your battery with a little help from the service team at the Knauz BMW service center.