Car Batteries

Need a new car battery? Our experts will walk you through your options, install a new battery and get you safely back on the road. Service includes removal and safe recycling of old battery, and installation of new battery.

A typical car battery usually lasts around 3–5 years, although this could vary if you frequently drive in very cold or very hot areas.

If you’re not sure if you need a new car battery or not, here are some tell-tale signs that your existing battery might be on its last legs:

• The Low Battery or Check Engine light is on
• The battery can’t hold a charge and you need to repeatedly jump start it
• The interior or exterior lights are dimmer than usual
• The engine makes a clicking sound when you try to turn on your vehicle
• The battery case is cracked or swollen

If you are seeing any of these symptoms of a dying battery, make sure to head to your nearest Big O Tires as soon as possible. Our experts will help you find the right battery for your vehicle, driving style and climate to make sure you get back out on the road, fully charged.Read Less

A dead battery can leave you stranded, so it's smart to have it checked regularly. Service includes testing the battery and charging system (if applicable).

If you have any difficulty starting your car, schedule a car battery check appointment or stop by your local Big O store. A Big O technician will test your battery and let you know if you need a new one. If your battery is healthy, they can inspect your vehicle and find the real problem.Read Less

Don't get stuck in the parking lot because of failed battery cables. Let the experts at Big O Tires make sure you have a strong-running battery for confident starts. Service includes visual inspection and cable replacement as necessary.

Every car battery has two cables connected to it – one positive (red), and the other negative (black). The positive cable allows power to transfer from the battery to the starter motor and your vehicle’s electrical system, while the negative cable provides the battery a grounding point.

The signs of a bad battery cable are almost identical to the symptoms of a bad car battery. Don’t worry. Our experts have the tools and know-how to figure out which service your vehicle needs to get it fully charged again.Read Less

Having trouble with your vehicle's charging system? Before you buy a new battery, have Big O Tires check out the alternator first. We'll inspect the wiring, pulley belt, and other components and replace components or alternator as necessary - letting you know exactly what you need.

Your car’s alternator is an essential component of the electrical system. While you’re driving, the alternator is working behind the scenes to keep your car’s electrical components working and battery charged.

The alternator supplies power to everything from the headlights and stereo, to electric steering and power windows, so when your alternator goes bad, you’ll know it. Here are the symptoms of a dead or dying alternator:

• Your car won’t start
• Your engine stalls
• You’re experiencing electrical issues like dim or failing headlights and/or interior lights
• You hear squealing, growling or other unusual noises coming from the engine

A typical alternator lasts for 80,000–120,000 miles, or roughly 5–8 years. This will vary depending on your vehicle, driving style and climate.

If you think you need a new alternator, visit your nearest Big O Tires store. Our experts will perform a close inspection of your alternator and let you know if you need to replace your alternator or need a new battery.Read Less

You turn the key and hear only a clicking sound. Or the lights come on but nothing else happens. It may be your starter, but don’t panic. Big O Tires has you covered. Our service includes a starter motor bench test and replacement as necessary.

The starter (also known as the engine starter motor) is a small motor that activates your engine. When you turn the key or press the start button, the starter engages the engine’s flywheel and delivers the power needed to get the engine rotating.

If you notice any of the following when trying to start your car, you might have a bad starter:

• You hear a clicking noise
• Your dashboard lights are on but there’s no action
• Your engine won’t crank

Unfortunately, jump-starting a vehicle with a bad starter and an automatic transmission won’t help the engine start. If you have a manual transmission and a bad starter, you may be able to push- or tow-start the vehicle. Either way, once your vehicle is at the nearest Big O Tires, we’ll test the starter and install a replacement starter if needed.Read Less