What if you’re running late for a meeting or you’re in the middle of a highway and your car just won’t turn on. Isn’t it frustrating and troublesome that you keep turning the key, but your engine isn’t starting? Such a situation often arises when your car battery is dead. Nobody wants to get stranded with a dead battery in an unfamiliar place or when it’s raining outside. So, to avoid such problematic situations, a smart driver should know the signs of a failing battery.
The battery is the lifeline of all vehicles! As an integral part of the vehicle’s engine, battery powers all of the electrical components in the car. However, when it ages or wears out, the car’s lights might flicker but the engine won’t have the energy to turn over. The lifespan of a battery depends on the vehicle and weather conditions. Typically, a new battery can last for six years in ideal weather conditions. However, often batteries fail earlier due to several reasons. With regular maintenance, you may prolong your battery’s life but all batteries will need replacing. To avoid a sudden breakdown, it’s recommended to replace your car’s battery every four years on average. Some symptoms indicate a failing battery. Below we’ve listed the top signs that mean it’s time to replace your car’s battery.
Dim Headlights
When driving at night, do you find it difficult to see what’s on the road ahead of you? If headlights are flickering or dim, you need to check your battery. This is because the battery is responsible for powering all of the electronics in your vehicle, including lights. So, when your car’s lights lose their brightness, it’s possibly because they’re not getting the power they need.
Slow to Start
The most common and obvious symptom of a failing battery is a slow starting engine. When the components inside the battery wear out, the battery takes longer to create a charge for the starter. This results in a slow start as it takes longer than usual before the engine starts. When you turn the key and the engine cranks, there may be a sluggish whirring sound. If your car is not starting after resting overnight, possibly there’s a wiring issue or a problem with the battery itself.
Cranks or Clicks
A dying battery has a slow engine crank. Besides the slow start, other signs are a long crank or a click from under the hood when you turn the key. If your car is making this sound, you need to have your battery tested. The click sound is also a sign of a failing starter. You may figure out whether it’s a battery issue or a starter problem. A failed battery will not start the engine after repeated attempts at turning the key. However, starters may work for a while before completely dying.
Bad Smell or More Frequent Jump Starts
Damaged battery often leaks gas and you’ll notice a foul smell when you open the hood. You may also notice a white, ashy substance on the metal parts of your battery. These signs indicate that your battery has worn out. Also, when your car’s battery becomes old, they lose their ability to hold a charge as long. When this happens, you may require frequent jump-starts. In this case, also, you need to replace your car’s battery.
Leave a Reply