Battery Service in Columbia, SC

It's easy to take your car's battery for granted, but it is one of the vehicle's most important components. Your car's battery ensures optimal performance and effective operation of its advanced technology and electrical systems. 

Your car's battery needs regular maintenance to keep it working at its best and will eventually require replacement. Choose our trusted experts at Stivers Hyundai for quality battery service in Columbia, South Carolina. From testing to replacement, we provide complete battery solutions for your car. 

How Does a Car's Battery Work? 

When you start your vehicle, the battery supplies power to the starter motor, which cranks the engine. Starting the car takes a lot of energy from the battery. While the engine is running, a belt turns the alternator, which generates electricity to replenish the battery. 

Even when the engine isn't running, the battery is necessary to keep important electrical systems working in the background. As it gets older, the battery's charging capacity gradually reduces until it eventually doesn't have sufficient power to start your car, which will require replacement. 

Stivers Hyundai Battery Service in Columbia, SC

It can be difficult to determine when to change your car's battery. You don't want to replace it too soon when there's still plenty of life in it. You also shouldn't leave it until it's too late and it dies, leaving you stranded. The best way to determine the battery's health is to have it inspected by the accredited technicians at Stivers Hyundai. 

Our service center has cutting-edge tools and equipment for assessing your battery's condition and confirming whether it needs to be replaced. During the battery service, the technician will inspect the casing for cracks or bulges that can cause failure. They'll then test the cold-cranking amperage and charging capacity using a voltmeter.  

They'll also check the terminals for grime or corrosion, clean them if necessary, and ensure the cable clamps are secure. You may assume that cold weather has the most significant impact on the battery, but the hot South Carolina summers are just as draining. This means the best times for a battery inspection are spring and fall, before the hottest and coldest seasons. 

Signs Your Car's Battery Is Failing 

In the South Carolina climate, your car's battery should last three to five years on average. Depending on your usual driving conditions, it could last as little as two years or as long as seven years. It's very rare for a battery to fail without giving you some indication that it's coming to the end of its life. If the battery does die without warning, check whether you left a door open or the lights on. 

You may notice that the headlights are dimmer than usual or that certain electrical components aren't working properly. If the battery warning light comes on, it means the battery isn't recharging, which can indicate a problem with the battery or the alternator. Inspect the battery for terminal or cable corrosion or fluid leakage. If you see any of these signs, bring your vehicle to us at Stivers Hyundai for a battery inspection.  

If the battery doesn't pass the inspection, we recommend replacing it with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) battery. If the battery passes the inspection but isn't operating properly, there may be a problem with the alternator, starter motor, drive belt, ignition system, or a simple fuse. In this case, our technician will diagnose the fault and replace the defective component. 

Time To Replace the Battery 

When your vehicle's battery fails an inspection, or the charging capacity drops below 12 volts, it's time for a new one. Even if it seems to be working, replacing it is better than having it die unexpectedly. Getting stranded on the Columbia back roads can be inconvenient and dangerous. Letting the battery go flat can even damage the car's intricate electronic systems. 

Bring your car to Stivers Hyundai, and we'll replace your battery with a new OEM one. When replacing the battery, the technician will ensure that electronic systems aren't reset or disrupted while it's disconnected. They'll also clean any corrosion or debris from the cable clamps and battery tray. When scheduling a battery inspection or replacement, check our service specials for money-saving offers. 

How To Extend Your Battery's Life Span 

Following a few simple tips can help prolong your battery's life, including the following: 

• When you leave your vehicle, check that the lights are off and the doors are fully closed so that the battery isn't drained.
• If you're parked and waiting for someone, keep the radio and air conditioning turned off, and don't charge mobile devices.
• Avoid frequent short journeys. Starting the car takes a lot out of the battery, and on a short journey, it doesn't have time to recharge completely, which can reduce its lifespan. 

Your battery will last longer if you take care of it and schedule regular inspections. 

Why Choose Stivers Hyundai for Servicing and Maintenance? 

At our Stivers Hyundai state-of-the-art service center, we're proud to offer an extensive range of maintenance services in Columbia, Arthurtown, Cayce, Crane Forest, Sandwood, and other areas in South Carolina. Whether you need a simple battery service or major repairs, we've got you covered. Our factory-trained technicians only use genuine OEM parts, which will keep your vehicle running like new. 

Is It Time for a Battery Inspection? 

At Stivers Hyundai, it's easy to schedule a battery service. Fill out the convenient online form, call us, or visit our service center in Columbia, South Carolina.

Photo Credit by Hyundai USA