Common signs
- Slow or labored cranking, especially on cold mornings
- Clicking when you turn the key, or dim lights at startup
- A battery warning light, or needing jump starts
- A battery several years old (many last roughly 3 to 5 years, depending on climate and use)
Battery or alternator?
If the car dies while driving, or a new battery keeps draining, the charging system (alternator) may be the problem. A shop can test both in minutes. Many parts stores test batteries for free.
What a battery quote should show
- Battery brand, group size, and type (standard, AGM)
- Installation labor (some cars need extra steps or a computer reset)
- Warranty length, and any old-battery core charge or credit