Have you been wondering about a Bolt battery replacement timeline?
Perhaps you have been needing to get your battery replaced, and you are not sure when it will be possible. Or you are being proactive and thinking about what you need to do before the time comes for you to get it done.
Either way, there are a few reasons why you may be wondering about this question, which is why we have the answers for you. So today, let us have a look at the key facts on your Bolt battery, how long it lasts, price, replacement timeline, and so much more.
Let’s get started.
Bolt Battery Facts You Need To Know
The Chevrolet Bolt EV battery typically lasts for 3 up to 5 years, on average. However, the lifespan depends on a number of factors such as the battery type, driving habits, weather conditions, and battery size. But it is also worth noting that even if your battery is not entirely dead, it can still malfunction.
With that being said, you need to get your battery checked by a specialist when you go to a service center. Your dealer should perform a multi-point inspection not just of your battery but also the cables. When you are unable to get the battery checked on a regular basis, especially when it fails to run at a desirable level, then this can place too much pressure on your alternator or even the starter, which impacts the power.
Moreover, when you draw disproportionate power just to compensate for the energy loss from your battery, your engine will not be able to run as expected. Hence, it can cause more issues in the long run, which would mean more expenses due to further damage involved.
Thus, getting your Bolt battery inspected when it is not operating at an optimal level is crucial to the health and lifespan of your vehicle and its key components.
Now, as for the battery, you may either choose to install it yourself or have a specialist install it for you. The price depends on whether you do it yourself or not. For instance, if you get a mechanic to install the battery, you will have to factor in an extra $20 to as much as $40 for the labor or service. But this also depends on the dealership and what they charge for the installation labor.
Bolt Battery Replacement Timeline
Some people worry about not being able to get a replacement for their battery. They have been waiting to receive a notice regarding a battery replacement, yet much to their disappointment.
Now, what you can do to get some answers regarding this question is by contacting your dealer. Contact your dealer and provide them with your vehicle’s VIN number. It should take about a week or so for them to install a replacement battery as well as perform a software update.
We would also like to mention another important detail when it comes to driving your vehicle with the battery light turned on. Now, your alternator is responsible for charging your battery as you drive. When this component is not working well, though, the battery tends to train the power and causes you to get stranded when you have the vehicle turned off.
So, if you notice that the battery warning light is on as you drive, you need to switch off all of your accessories. This way, your battery will not drain further. The light means that you have a faulty alternator, so you should turn the AC, lights and radio off. When your light is on, your vehicle is basically running on battery power completely, so you need to minimize the usage of battery to avoid getting stranded on the road.
However, it is also possible that you have a malfunctioning serpentine belt when the light comes on. Either way, you should try to pull over to a secure location, to prevent any potential accidents on the road. When your serpentine belt is faulty, you may also notice other symptoms such as difficulties with steering or it just feels heavy to steer. Now, if your dash lights show that there are overheating issues with your vehicle, you may have an issue with the water pump in addition to other concerns happening.
Additional Facts To Consider
For the most part, your Bolt batteries should last for up to 5 years. But you can also be more proactive and try to improve the health and lifespan of your battery by performing some steps.
- Test your battery. You should never allow your battery to become unused for a long time, so it is best to start your vehicle constantly to prevent the battery from dying.
- Tightly fasten your battery. When there are vibrations in your vehicle, this can loosen connections with your battery. Thus, the components of your battery get rattled, which is why you have to keep it fastened.
- Clean your battery terminals. Dirt and debris can affect the health of your battery. So, be sure to keep the battery terminals in check and get rid of corrosion using the right wire brush and cleaning solution.
- And lastly, make sure you keep your vehicle indoors and free from extreme climate and weather conditions to prevent further deterioration.
There are also some signs to consider when you need to make sure that your battery is still in good condition. If you notice some signs such as the ones below, it is best to have your battery inspected by a mechanic.
- Corrosion and fluid leaks
- Low level of battery fluid
- Check engine line
- Delayed engine crank
If you have the check engine light on, this means that there are issues either with the engine or your battery. You may also have some issues with starting your vehicle, and it takes some time starting or rolling over the engine. And if you have fluid leaks, this increases the likelihood of corrosion, which is bad news for your vehicle.
When it is time to replace your battery, you may either get it done by a specialist or by yourself. If you would like to save on labor fees and do the job yourself, here are some things to do:
- Turn the engine off
- Loosen your bolt holding the negative battery cable by using a wrench
- Remove your cable carefully but avoid using too much force to prevent damages to the cable
- Remove the clamp holding the battery using a ratchet or wrench
- Clean your battery tray and remove any corrosion on your cables
- Install a replacement battery
Typically, new Bolt batteries are covered by warranty up to 24 months. So, if for some reason you encounter some issues with it, be sure to contact your dealer to get the problem addressed appropriately while the battery is still under warranty.
Wrapping Up
The Bolt battery replacement timeline should take not more than a couple of weeks. It is also important to pay attention to some signs that you need to have your battery replaced and contact your dealer to inform them about the VIN number of your vehicle for quick facilitation of getting a replacement battery that you need.