There is nothing more annoying than your car refusing to start when you are in a hurry to get to school or are already running late for work. If this has become a common occurrence in your life and you must jump-start your vehicle a lot more than usual, it may be a sign that you need to replace your car battery.
The battery is perhaps the most vital component of a vehicle. It is responsible for charging all the electronic components of your car. The lifespan of a battery depends on a combination of different factors, including but not limited to its age, the climate, the model of your vehicle, car maintenance, and how often you drive. However, on average, a car battery may last between two and seven years.
Here are some tell-tale signs that your car battery is about to die.
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Your Car Is Taking Much Longer to Start
Does your car take a long time to get going? Do you have to jump-start your vehicle every other day? Can you hear the engine trying to crank, but your car won’t start? Does the starter sound a little sluggish? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, it may be time for you to investigate car battery replacement.
Of course, corroded battery terminals, fuel system problems, and engine ignition could also be the culprits behind some of these issues. However, if you haven’t replaced your batteries in years, haven’t driven your car in quite some time, or accidentally left the AC or lights running overnight, your battery is likely running low on power.
If it takes your battery a long time to start the engine, you might want to get it checked by a trusted car maintenance and repair service. Make sure to replace your car battery before it completely goes out, leaving you stranded in some parking lot.
Different Electrical Issues Keep Popping Up
Weak headlights, flickering dashboard lights, and a dimmed radio display are all common signs that your battery is taking its last breaths.
If you don’t have a fully functioning battery, it will affect pretty much every operation of your vehicle. For example, you will have trouble charging your phone, your radio will probably not turn on, and the “Check Engine” light may come on. These things happen because your car battery is losing its ability to transmit enough power to keep your vehicle going. As its charge capacity becomes low, different electrical issues also begin to pop up.
In case you are only facing issues with your headlights, it may be a good idea to get them checked before messing with the battery. However, if your system indicator lights are turning on and off, it may be a good idea to visit your mechanic.
The Battery Fluid Level Is Low
An easy way to tell if you need a car battery replacement is by checking its fluid level, we would be happy to do that on your behalf as this may take a special tool to complete.
The Front of Your Car Smells Like Rotten Eggs
Damaged batteries tend to emit hydrogen sulfide, which can gradually corrode other components of your engine. Also, it smells like rotten eggs. So, if you have noticed a horrible odor coming from the front of your vehicle, it would be best to check if the battery is leaking.
If you suspect a battery leak, pop the hood of your car and look for white and ashy buildup at the battery posts. Although you can carefully clean it yourself, it is always good to have a professional do it for you. An expert technician would know exactly what to look for. They would also know if you needed a car battery replacement.
Ignoring the smell of hydrogen sulfide coming from your battery can severely affect the overall performance of your vehicle. In addition, the acidic odor will slowly begin to seep into your car, making it smell bad for quite some time.
The Car Battery Looks Bloated or Disfigured
Everyone knows what a car battery looks like. If your car won’t start or takes forever to do so, please open your car’s hood and make sure the battery looks normal. In case it looks swollen, bloated, cracked, or just generally disfigured, it is time to swap it with a new one.
There are quite a few things that can ruin your battery or force it to lose its shape – and exposure to extreme temperatures stands out at the top of the list. Both hot and cold temperatures can warp a healthy battery, which can be a significant hazard. Other than that, using a weak battery for a long time by jump-starting your vehicle may also leave it damaged beyond repair.
If Your Vehicle Is Showing These Signs, It’s Time to Purchase a New Battery
A weak car battery can make your life very difficult. Imagine getting ready to go somewhere important and then spending the next thirty minutes sitting in your car, waiting for the engine to crank so you can head to your destination. It sounds painful, right? To keep this from happening, consider visiting a reliable car repair service to test the battery condition.
If you live in the Columbus area, ATL Columbus can help you out. With years of experience in the field, our expert technicians will let you know if you need a battery replacement. Moreover, we specialize in complete engine repairs, oil changes, AC and heating repairs, brakes, alignments, tune-ups, and a host of other services.
So, if you are having trouble with your car battery, please feel free to contact us for quality car repair and maintenance service.
