It's widely acknowledged that the best time to change your battery is before you actually need to. Now that's most definitely a punchy statement, but how do you know what the right time is? If the battery seems to be working fine, then you're likely to be none the wiser.

Even the experts suggest that there's no ideal answer for how long a car battery is likely to last, but there are specific symptoms you can look out for. Preventive and predictive maintenance is the name of the game here, especially when you'd like to use the same car for a long time. Read on to know what the tell-tale signs of a dying car battery are, and how and when you're supposed to replace it.

What are the tell-tale signs of a dying car battery?
Cars are typically good when it comes to keeping you informed when something's wrong. Whether it's illuminated dashboard lights, or it's strange smells and sounds, it's easy to stay on top of your car's condition. You simply need to be aware of how it's functioning and look out for anything out of the ordinary.

Look out for these tell-tale signs if you suspect that your car battery might be close to dying -

• An illuminated battery light - There might be a lot of reasons as to why your battery light might illuminate. Still, most of them point
towards a dying car battery.

• A slow or delayed engine crank - If your engine cranks slowly or has a delayed start time, your battery might be on its last leg.

• A swollen battery case - A battery that's been overcharged or exposed to high temperatures typically gets swollen.

• A battery fluid leak - A battery fluid leak happens when your battery is overcharged or has encountered some other form of damage.

How often do you have to carry out a car battery replacement?
It's a given that no battery can last forever. They degrade over time, especially with repeated usage. You're typically advised to change your car battery every 3-4 years.

There are various factors that could influence this, from the climate to your driving habits. As a rule of thumb, consult your manufacturer's recommended service intervals to ensure you replace your battery on time.

Consider your climate when it comes to a car battery replacement
Regardless of whether you live in a place that's hot and humid, or in an area that's cold and dry, climate plays a role in your battery's health. Extremities in temperature can affect your battery, resulting in quicker intervals between replacing them.

Your car battery in hot weather
Cold weather doesn't really apply in a place like Dubai. Especially in a region like Dubai, the sweltering heat of the summer can lead to the evaporation of your battery fluid. Furthermore, all the water in the battery acid can also evaporate. This results in decreased performance from your car battery, poor starting power, and an overall shorter lifespan.

Don't let the climate take a toll on your car battery
We've already mentioned how living in warmer areas can have an adverse effect on your battery. If you're in a place like the UAE, you should consider replacing your battery more often. There's no better way to do it than by using Service My Car.

The cutting-edge technology allows you to get any and all car maintenance services from the comfort of your home. Service My Car uses the best Car Service technology you can enlist their mobile mechanic, or have your car picked up and delivered, with a brand new battery.

If you've noticed any of these signs, it's best to get your battery replaced. Request a quote on the Service My Car app or website now.