Volkswagen Battery Service in Rhode Island
Having a properly functioning battery in your VW is essential because it’s the life force that gets your vehicle going and keeps those essential accessories running. Sometimes, though, batteries can fall in to the “out of sight, out of mind” category until there’s an issue. On this page we’ll go over some of the signs that it may be time to replace your Volkswagen’s battery. We’ll also delve in to the typical lifespan of a battery and what you can do to extend it, and let you know how often you should take it to a trusted service technician for some attention.
Common Warning Signs
You should get your VW’s battery checked by a VW-certified service technician twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. Between those recommended checkups, there are some typical warning signs you should look for that can indicate when your VW’s battery is not long for this world. Again, these signs are not always clear before the battery dies, but there are still changes that can alert you to do something so you don’t get stranded. A couple of the most obvious signs of battery trouble are if your engine is slow to crank or the dashboard warning light turns on. You may also notice issues with electrical components or reduced accessory functions, such as dim headlights. You should also get it to the service department for a look if you notice an unusual smell. If it’s simply old and has given you years of service, it may make the most sense to simply replace it. Cold weather puts the most stress on a battery. If your aging battery is showing lower performance in the winter, your best bet is to simply replace it since its strength will diminish faster the more it’s called upon on cold days.
Typical Lifespan of a Battery
The general rule for replacing your VW’s battery is every five or six years, but your Volkswagen maintenance technicians can advise you as to how much life it seems to have left. They’ll look for signs such as loose or corroded terminals and check the voltage with a multimeter. Again, if climate conditions are particularly harsh and your battery is behaving unreliably, your best bet is to just replace it. Since batteries have water in them to help it run every time you start your car, temperature extremes can cause the water to evaporate or freeze, causing damage. Also, when the water levels get too low, excess heat can destroy the battery cells.
To get the most out of your VW’s battery, always make sure to turn off the lights before leaving the vehicle. Most lights will turn off automatically when you switch off the engine, but it never hurts to check and to actually turn off the switches. On that note, you never want to turn on the lights before starting the vehicle. Also, make a habit of turning off accessories like the audio system, windshield wipers, and climate control blower when you leave the vehicle. Starting the car with these features on causes considerable strain on the battery because it has to use some of its stored power to run them.
