Learn More About Your Car's Battery Service

The battery in your BMW is like the heart of your vehicle. Not only does it give you the power to start and drive your car, but it also powers the many other systems included. Like any other part in your vehicle, the battery will need to be maintained and serviced as you drive throughout Grapevine, Colleyville, or beyond. In some cases, the battery may need to be replaced as well.

What Happens If I Don't Maintain My Car's Battery?

Most non-hybrid car batteries are "wet-cell" batteries. This type of battery is a plastic cube that contains a lead and sulfuric acid mix on the inside and two terminals on the outside. Over time the charge in your battery will weaken, and eventually, the battery will die completely. As it weakens, your car won't start when it should and may require a jump to get moving. A dying battery will also affect the starter and alternator in your car, leading to larger repair issues if left unchanged.

Five Signs That You May Have A Dead Battery

How do you know that your BMW car or SAV may have a dead battery? Here are five signs that you'll want to look out for.

1. Nothing Happens - If you go to start your car and there's no sign of power, meaning there's no lights, radio, or cranking when you turn the key, your battery is most likely completely dead. You can try to jumpstart your battery, but most likely, it will need to be replaced.
2. Engine Cranks, But It Doesn't Start - If there are lights and other items being powered, but your car still won't start, something may be wrong with your starter. It could also be because your battery is losing power and needs to be jumped to have enough oomph to start your car.
3. One Day It Starts, One Day It Doesn't - If your car starts fine one day, but doesn't start at all the next day, this may be because your battery terminals are either loose, broken, or corroded. The connections to your battery are supposed to be tight, sturdy, and clean. If these aren't the case, you'll want to contact a service center to have a closer look.
4. Cold Cranking Is Difficult - When you go out to start your car in the morning after it's been sitting all night, this is referred to as cold cranking. Cold cranking takes more power and effort from the battery, and if it takes a while to start your vehicle first thing, then it's a sign that your battery may be on its way out.
5. You've Had To Have It Jumped A Lot - Have you had to have your car jumped more than three times a week? Your battery is dying and needs to be replaced.

How Long Can A Car's Battery Last?

While every car has a different timeline, most batteries have a life expectancy of two to three years. Of course, the length of your car battery's life depends on how it's treated and what type of conditions it's in. Some of the items that can affect your battery include:

• Extreme heat or cold
• Idling for long periods of time
• Lights that are left on
• Age
• Corrosion
• Multiple jumpstarts

Schedule Your Battery Service At BMW Of Grapevine

If you're interested in having your new or pre-owned BMW checked out, we recommend contacting our BMW of Grapevine service center. We not only have expertly trained BMW technicians near Southlake, but we also have a high-quality parts center that can provide you with the battery your BMW needs.