Please advise me of when to replace my automobile battery? It is the original battery that came with the SUV when I purchased it new in 2002. I live in the Pac. Northwest and the automobile in question is a 2002 Ford Explorer 4WD.

Thank you

New car batteries normally come with a 3 year/72 month warranty. I would be proactive and replace it, on your terms, now. Here's how:

. Remove negative battery cable first, then remove the positive battery cable.
. Clean battery terminals and connections, using a battery terminal brush or 240 grit abrasive cloth. Do this even on the new battery. Afterwards, apply dielectric grease.
. Install new battery in car, fasten tie-down bolt, attach positive battery cable to the positive battery terminal; then, attach the negative battery cable to the negative battery terminal.

Ideally, you check the fluid level of the new battery, adding distilled water if necessary, and place it on a battery charger for a little while, prior to installing it in the car. Costco has the best deal on batteries I've seen--3 year/100 month batteries at a great price.