Does Your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or RAM Need a New Car Battery?

A car battery is one of the components in your Chrysler that needs to be replaced periodically. The average life of a battery is three to five years. During this time, the chemicals in a battery that enable it to store and supply electricity will slowly break down. Your Chrysler dealer can test your battery and install a new car battery when necessary. These are some signs that your battery needs replacement.

Signs You Need a New Car Battery From Your Chrysler Dealer

Swollen Battery Case

A battery contains several different chemicals, copper plates, and an electrolyte solution. These components store electricity in the form of chemical energy, and they can supply electricity when required. Most batteries are designed to operate within a certain temperature range, while specialized batteries can endure extremes of heat or cold.

A regular battery subject to extreme heat or cold can start to warp. The outside temperature affects the chemicals inside the battery. Since the chemicals are contained inside the thick plastic casing of the battery, their reactions will distort the battery casing. If you examine your battery and it shows any signs of damage, call us right away. A swollen battery is dangerous, and we’ll promptly replace it with a new one.

Old Battery

As we saw above, a battery will gradually fail as time passes. This failure isn’t a design flaw. It’s the result of the chemical reactions inside the battery. Sulfuric acid is one of the main chemicals in a battery, and as it breaks down over time, it will release hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas forms hydrogen sulfide when it escapes the battery.

Hydrogen sulfide is foul-smelling, toxic, and corrosive gas that can cause corrosion on battery terminals and cables. Other signs of battery age include a reduced charging capacity and long recharging times. An older battery can also damage an alternator that tries to recharge it. We advise a regular battery test after three years to test the battery’s health. We can replace the battery if it fails the test.

Starting Difficulty

The main function of the battery is to start your engine. It provides an electrical charge that powers the starter motor and initiates the crank. If your Chrysler has difficulty starting, this could be caused by a failing battery. An older battery might not have the storage capacity for enough charge to start your engine, or it could have a recharging problem.

The battery might not be the cause of the problem. A damaged starter motor or worn alternator could be causing starting issues. We’ll identify the failed component and repair or replace it.

If your battery exhibits any of the above signs, call our service department at Barkau CDJR of Freeport.