Car Battery Replacement
A car battery is undoubtedly the most important part of a vehicle and is often referred to as its ‘heart’. It is integral in starting the car and making sure it continues to run smoothly. The car battery needs to supply sufficient energy to start the engine while also powering accessories and electronics such as the climate control (heater & air conditioner), audio system, USB & auxiliary power outlets, GPS navigation, reversing camera and many more.
A car battery may require replacing for multiple reasons;
- The battery is at the end of its life
- Lack of use
- Repeated short distance trips
- Corrosion
- Having the wrong type of battery for the vehicle
A car battery relies on the vehicle being driven to maintain charge, so long periods of inactivity or only driving short distances may cause it to discharge and struggle to recover. Extreme use such as off-road driving with high vibration can also lead to deterioration of battery plates. Look out for the tell-tale signs and take your vehicle to your nearest R&J Batteries branch for a free battery test or car battery replacement before your battery fails.
How to choose the best car battery replacement
Car batteries generally last for an average of 3 to 5 years depending on the battery quality, type of vehicle, attention to maintenance and various other factors. Here’s how to identify if a battery replacement is needed for your car:
- The battery warning light in the dashboard turns on
- The vehicle fails to start
- The vehicle takes too long to start
- The vehicle produces a ticking noise
A failing battery can also cause problems with electrical devices in the vehicle. If your car is exhibiting any of these classic warning signs, chances are that it is time for a battery replacement. This can be confirmed by our team at R&J Batteries by coming in for your free battery test.
When it comes to car battery replacement, choose one that is suitable for the vehicle, meets your power requirements, maintenance needs, life expectancy, warranty coverage and lifestyle choices. It is also important to understand that not one size fits all. Modern vehicles with Stop Start technology require Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) or Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) which are purpose built to withstand the sustained power delivery and repeated starting loads of this type of vehicle.
To find the best car battery replacement for your vehicle, our Battery Finder is a useful resource. Simply enter the make, model and year of your vehicle into the Battery Finder to find the most suitable car battery replacement, or use our Registration Look Up feature. Alternatively, visit your nearest R&J Batteries branch in Australia to get expert advice and free battery replacement after purchase.
How to replace a car battery
When replacing your old car battery, please ensure extreme caution is taken. We recommend wearing safety glasses when engaging in this procedure. Please turn off the engine, lights and all accessories prior to disconnecting and removing the old battery from your vehicle. The replacement battery needs to meet or exceed the minimum capacity and CCA rating required for your vehicle.
For a step-by-step explanation on changing a car battery by yourself, you can refer to the Battery Replacement Guide however we strongly recommend seeking assistance from our friendly team of battery experts at all R&J Batteries branches across Australia.
Free Battery Testing at R&J Batteries
Not sure about the current status of your car battery? When in doubt, it is best to seek expert advice. There are 24 R&J Batteries branches across all States and territories in Australia. Visit your closest branch for free battery testing and free battery installation services after purchase. No appointment necessary.