Louisiana Weather Takes a Toll on Car Batteries

There's a saying in Louisiana---if you don't like the weather, wait ten minutes. The wide swings in heat and humidity in our fine state aren't just annoying—they can cause greater wear and tear on your car battery too.

In Louisiana's subtropical climate, car batteries generally last between three to five years. Depending on how much it's used and how well you maintain it, it might last longer, but some batteries can begin to fail sooner than three years too. Scheduling regular checks for your car battery and electrical system can help ensure that you're not caught away from home with a dead battery.

Signs Your Battery Should Be Replaced

Often, your vehicle will indicate that the battery is getting worn out, or is about to fail before it actually does. Watch for the following symptoms that your battery needs a replacement sooner rather than later:

• Your "Check Battery" warning light is on
• Corrosion around the car battery
• A rotten egg smell (sulfur)
• A bloated battery case
• The engine takes a long time to turn over
• The ignition clicks but the car won't start
• Issues with power accessories, for example, flickering lights or slow power windows

How to Prolong the Life of Your Battery

Batteries are built to be resilient—after all, they last for years while being used nearly daily. You can extend that lifetime with a few simple practices yourself:

• Make sure all the lights on your vehicle are turned off before walking away
• Inspect your battery regularly to ensure its cleanliness
• Drive your car at least once every few days for 15–20 minutes at a time
• Don't idle your car—if you can, simply turn the engine off
• Store your car in a garage, carport, or somewhere protected
• Keep your battery terminals clean — a perfectly healthy battery can show some of the same symptoms as a dead one if it has dirty or corroded terminals
• Make sure your battery is rated for your vehicle — see a certified service expert to ensure your battery is correct for your vehicle and climate

Expert Battery Service for All of Opelousas

When you need expert care for your car's battery, come to the service center at Team Honda of Acadiana! Our service technicians are factory-trained, and they know exactly what battery your Honda needs. Plus, we only use Honda-certified OEM parts so you can trust that they're of the highest quality!

Come and see us today, or make an appointment online for a time that's convenient for you.