Modern vehicles have complex systems to keep them running efficiently, and the car's battery is the heart of these systems. Keeping your battery in top shape is essential for making sure your vehicle starts every time. You don't want to get stuck with a dead battery. Having the right battery will help ensure your Hyundai gets the electricity it needs to power all the systems and controllers in your vehicle.

Finding the Right Fit

While many car batteries look similar, they come in a variety of sizes, types, and capacities. Each battery may have a different internal construction and characteristics made for specific uses. Using a battery that is the wrong size or not made with the proper materials may shorten its lifespan and compromise the performance of your vehicle.

How do you know if you have the right battery for your make and model? The best way to find out is to have our battery service technicians at Dublin Hyundai inspect it. They'll make sure the battery is the right size with the correct capacity for you, whether you drive a Hyundai ELANTRA sedan or a three-row PALISADE.

We carry a varied selection of battery types, including ones for different climates. Schedule an appointment with us today, and we'll inspect your battery to ensure it's running in prime condition and that it's the right one for your Hyundai.

How Long Do Car Batteries Last?

Under optimal driving and climate conditions, most car batteries should last three to five years, especially when you have the battery regularly inspected and maintained. However, there are several variables that can shorten the lifespan of your car battery.

Climate

Extreme heat and cold can take a toll on your car's battery. Batteries are made up of electrical and chemical compositions, and extreme temperatures can disrupt the process the battery needs to start your car. Batteries perform best when they're fully charged and the air temperature runs between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cold Climate

When the temperature starts to drop, the chemical reaction within the lead plates, liquid electrolytes, and additives slows down. This means that the battery has to work harder to get the electrons working enough to crank over the engine. If you plan on being in extreme cold, we can install a winterized battery that has a special chemistry balance designed for cold temperatures.

Hot Climate

On the other end of the spectrum, if you live in an area with extreme heat, the electrons and chemical process get overactive when the temperature climbs over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which shortens the battery's lifespan. In addition, the battery starts to corrode, and water and the battery's electrolytes evaporate quickly. As with any extreme temperature, be sure you have the right battery for the climate you normally live and drive in.

Home Solutions to Care for Your Battery

If possible, try and park your vehicle in a temperature-controlled garage or at least where it's not so exposed to the elements. During the winter, you can place a special blanket over the battery to help keep it from cold exposure. In addition, have our team at Dublin Hyundai inspect and test your battery to see how much percentage is left in it. It's better to be proactive and replace a dying battery than to get stuck somewhere with a dead one.

Driving Conditions

Driving on rough roads can also hurt your battery. If you travel on roads with ruts, washboards, or potholes, the battery terminal connections can come loose, which can interfere with charging. The screws and plates that hold your battery in place can also become loose causing it to bounce around inside the engine compartment, which may result in a cracked battery case.

How Often You Drive

Batteries do best when they are fully charged, and the best way to charge your car battery is to drive it. If you only take your car for short trips or drive it infrequently, the battery doesn't have a chance to get a full charge. When possible, take your vehicle for a 30- to 40-minute drive at least once a week to fully charge the battery for optimum performance.

How Do You Change a Car Battery?

While changing a car battery is not technically hard, it is challenging. Batteries are quite heavy and have corrosive substances within them that can cause damage to your skin or clothes. The best way to change a car battery is to have our professional team at Dublin Hyundai do it for you. We have the right tools to remove and reinstall the battery, and we'll make sure it's fully charged and securely in place. However, if you would like to tackle changing your car battery, follow these steps:

• Make sure the car is turned off and cooled down.
• Wearing work gloves, loosen the terminal connections with a socket wrench. 
• Then, remove the negative battery cable first. It will have a mark like this: — for negative. 
• Next, remove the positive cable with a mark like this: + for positive. 
• Remove any bars or plates securing the battery in place.
• Carefully lift the old battery out, keeping it upright.
• Clean the battery tray and connections with a wire brush and a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda mixed with a teaspoon of water. 
• Install and secure the new battery.
• Start the car to be sure the battery works.
• Bring the old battery to a center that recycles old car batteries.

How Much Does a New Car Battery Cost?

Battery types and sizes vary in cost depending on the manufacturer and supplier. The best way to know how much your new car battery will cost is to ask our professional battery service technicians. We'll help you figure out the best battery for your car at a cost you're comfortable with.

Find the Perfect Car Battery

Having the right battery for your Hyundai is essential for knowing your car will start when you need it. When you bring your vehicle to our dealership at Dublin Hyundai in Dublin, California, our battery service team will find the perfect battery for you and install it correctly. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of batteries and to schedule an appointment for any of your battery needs.