Maintaining Your BMW Battery
Your car’s battery plays a crucial role in the overall function of your vehicle. It provides the electric for the vehicle’s electrical system, is responsible for starting the engine, and powers various components of the vehicle, such as lights, electronics, and accessories.This blog post will provide you with valuable insights on how to maintain the health of your BMW car battery, the telltale signs of battery failure, and effective ways to check the battery’s health. Additionally, we will provide you with step-by-step guidelines on how to examine and check the battery in your BMW.
Now, let’s get started!
The Health of Your BMW Battery Is Important
Your BMW relies on the car battery to power several critical components, such as the engine control unit, dashboard, transmission control module, anti-lock brakes, fuel pump, sensors, and starter motor.
It also powers the lights, the radio and infotainment system, GPS, electric windows and air conditioning. When these fail, it can often be the first sign that there is an issue with the battery.
A healthy battery helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensures that the vehicle’s electrical system operates smoothly.
It’s crucial to check the battery’s condition regularly as a part of your daily or weekly maintenance routine.
How to Recognise Battery Failure Signs
As a car battery gets older, it may start showing signs of problems or issues that can affect how well it functions. Understanding the warning signs of a failing car battery can help you take preventive actions and avoid getting stuck with a vehicle that doesn’t work.
Keep an eye out for these signs:
- If your vehicle’s engine cranks slowly or takes longer than usual to start, it could indicate that the battery is deteriorating. In the event that the battery is completely drained, the engine may not start at all.
- If you notice that your headlights or interior lights are not as bright as before, it may imply that your battery is not supplying enough power. It could also be an indication that the alternator is not charging the battery efficiently.
- If the dashboard battery warning light turns on, it means that the battery is not functioning correctly. Other warning lights may also illuminate, indicating issues with the car’s electrical system.
- If you’re experiencing issues with your car’s radio or other electrical components such as electric windows, it could be an indication that your battery isn’t providing enough power.
- Insufficient power supply from the battery can cause the engine to unexpectedly stall or stop working. Such a scenario can put the driver in a dangerous position, as the brakes and power steering could stop working while driving.
- If you hear a clicking sound when you turn the ignition key, it’s possible that the battery doesn’t have enough power to start the engine. This may be due to an old or drained battery caused by something as simple as leaving the car’s lights or radio on when the engine isn’t running.
- If the battery terminals are damaged or corroded, it can lead to problems with charging and discharging the battery. This, in turn, can make it harder to start the car’s engine or operate its electrical systems.
If you notice any of the above signs, it’s advisable to have your battery checked as soon as possible. At Somerset Vehicle Services, we are always on hand to help our clients with any battery problems they’re facing. Give us a call today for a quick fix.
Different Types of Car Batteries
BMW vehicles use a variety of batteries depending on the model and year of manufacture. The following are some of the most common types of batteries found in BMWs:
- Lead-acid batteries: Lead-acid batteries are commonly found in most vehicles, including BMW’s. They have been popular for many years because of their affordability, reliability and durability.
- Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries: These are a type of sealed lead-acid battery. They have a quicker charge and a higher power output, so offer a longer lifespan and better performance, but they are more expensive.
- Lithium-ion batteries: These batteries are used in electric and hybrid vehicles and provide fast charging and the ability to store a large amount of energy in a lightweight and compact package.
- Gel batteries: Gel batteries are similar to AGM batteries but not as common. BMW often uses these batteries in their high-performance models.
At Somerset Vehicle Services, we understand that choosing the right battery for your BMW is crucial for its optimal performance and reliability. BMW uses a variety of batteries tailored to the specific requirements of each vehicle model. Our team is here to assist you in selecting the appropriate battery for whatever make and model vehicle you have
The Importance of Choosing the Right Battery
It’s important to choose the right battery for your BMW as selecting the wrong one can create a number of issues with the performance and safety of your vehicle. Here are just some of the issues that could arise with the wrong battery:
- Reduced lifespan: Using a battery that is not specifically designed for your BMW could lead to insufficient power supply. This may result in quicker battery wear and tear, leading to a shorter lifespan and the need for an earlier replacement.
- Poor performance: If you’re experiencing difficulty starting your engine or facing problems with the electrical system, it’s possible that the battery in your car may not be strong enough. The wrong battery can negatively impact your vehicle’s performance.
- Safety issues: It’s important to note that several safety features in your BMW rely on the battery, including the airbags and ABS brakes. It’s crucial to use a battery that is specifically designed for your car to ensure your vehicle’s safety features are powered correctly.
- Warranty issues: It’s important to use the battery recommended by the manufacturer for your specific vehicle make and model in order to keep the warranty intact.
Trust our team at Somerset Vehicle Services to provide you with expert recommendations and battery replacement services to match the specifications of your BMW.
How to Check the Health of Your BMW Battery: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Turn off your BMW and park it on a flat surface.
- Look for the battery under your car’s bonnet. Almost all BMW models have the battery in the engine compartment, on the driver’s side.
- Make sure the battery terminals are not damaged or corroded. If the terminals are dirty or corroded, clean them with a wire brush or battery cleaner.
- With a voltmeter, check the voltage of the battery. Set the voltmeter to DC voltage and touch the positive (red) probe to the positive battery terminal and the negative (black) probe to the negative battery terminal. A healthy battery should read at least 12.6 volts.
- The battery could be weak or in need of charging if the voltage reading is below 12.4 volts. Try charging your battery with a battery charger or take your car for a longer drive to allow the alternator to charge the battery.
- You’ll need to replace the battery if the voltage reading is significantly below 12 volts.
If you have any concerns regarding the health of your battery or you suspect a problem with it or the charging system, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team at Somerset Vehicle Services for guidance and assistance.
Tips to Make Your BMW’s Battery Last Longer
The following tips will help you extend the battery’s life on your BMW:
- Drive your car regularly: Regular use is essential in preventing battery failure in your BMW. If your car is not driven frequently, the battery may not receive sufficient charge, leading to degradation over time. To maintain optimal battery performance, it’s recommended to drive your car at least once a week.
- Limit short trips: If you frequently take short trips in your BMW, especially during cold weather, it can put a strain on your battery. During these trips, the battery has to work harder to start the engine and recharge itself within a short driving time.
- Keep your battery terminals clean: It is important to regularly clean the battery terminals to prevent corrosion, which can hinder the battery’s ability to charge and discharge. Use a brush or battery cleaner for effective cleaning.
- Turn off electrical systems when not in use: Always turn off all electrical systems, including the radio and lights when you turn off the engine to prevent draining the battery.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: To ensure your BMW’s battery holds a charge and doesn’t degrade quickly, it’s important to shield it from extreme temperatures. Parking your car in a garage or shaded area will help protect the battery from both extreme cold and high heat.
- Check the battery regularly: It is advisable to regularly monitor the health of your battery in order to detect any potential problems early on and prevent them from escalating. To do this, you can use a voltmeter or battery load tester to periodically check the condition of the battery. If you observe any signs of weakness or failure, it is recommended that you bring your vehicle to us for assistance.
By following these tips, you can extend the battery’s life and ensure reliable performance for years to come.
In Conclusion
A healthy battery is crucial to keep your BMW running as it should. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily inspect your battery and take any necessary actions to guarantee your vehicle’s peak performance and reliability.
Regular maintenance can also help lengthen the lifespan of your battery. You can do this by keeping the terminals clean and avoiding short trips. If you encounter any issues or need professional assistance, Somerset Vehicle Services is ready to lend a hand. We can schedule an appointment to assist you in maintaining the smooth operation of your BMW.
