A car’s engine is often considered the heart of your vehicle, but you wouldn’t get very far without a functioning car battery. Your car battery provides power for everything, from the engine and power steering to the headlights and stereo. Like any battery, it gradually loses its ability to hold a charge and may need to be replaced. Knowing the signs of a dying car battery can save you from unexpected breakdowns and keep your car running smoothly.
6 Common Signs of a Failing Car Battery
1. Slow Engine Crank
If your engine takes longer to start or sounds sluggish when cranking, your battery could be struggling to provide enough power. This is often one of the first signs that your battery is on its way out.
2. Dim Headlights & Electrical Problems
If your headlights seem dim or your dashboard lights flicker, it could mean your battery is losing its charge. Electrical issues like these often point to a weakening battery that is unable to fully power your vehicle’s systems. Electrical issues may also indicate a problem with your car’s alternator.
3. Frequent Jump-Starts
Needing multiple jump-starts in a short period? That’s a surefire sign your battery isn’t holding a charge like it used to. While a jump-start can get you moving temporarily, frequent ones mean a replacement is probably due. However, if your car fails to start during a jump, the issue might be with your alternator.
4. Swollen Battery Case
A swollen or bloated battery case is usually a sign that the battery overheated or overcharged at some point. The pressure build-up inside of a swollen battery may lead to an exploded battery if not replaced right away. If you notice a swollen battery, you should get a replacement as soon as possible.
5. Corrosion on Battery Terminals
Corrosion is a chemical reaction that can create a white, powdery substance around your battery terminals. Corrosion can often affect the battery’s performance over time. While cleaning the terminals can help in the short term, ongoing or recurring corrosion typically means it’s time for a new battery.
6. Dashboard Warning Light
In addition to check engine lights, low fuel lights, and other warning lights on your dashboard, you also likely have a battery warning light. It looks like a battery. If this light comes on, it’s a surefire signal that there’s an issue with your battery or the charging system, and you should take it to an auto repair shop as soon as possible to avoid a breakdown.
How Long Do Car Batteries Typically Last?
It’s recommended to get your car batteries replaced every 3 to 5 years. However, your battery life can be affected by your driving habits, climate, and maintenance frequency.
Simple Tips to Extend Your Car Battery’s Life
1. Regular Maintenance
Make sure your battery terminals stay clean and free of corrosion. When you take your car to the auto repair shop for regular maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations, have them test your battery as well. If you change your oil at home, be sure to check and test the battery yourself.
2. Avoid or Reduce Short Trips
Your car’s battery may not be able to recharge fully during short drives, which can affect the battery life over time. If you live close to everything you need and don’t have a long commute, short drives might be unavoidable. If this is the case, it’s especially important to take your car in for regular maintenance to make sure everything is working properly.
3. Limit Power Use When the Engine is Off
Using lights, the radio, or other electronics while the engine is off drains your battery. If you’ve ever accidentally left your lights on overnight, you probably learned this the hard way! Be mindful of power use when your car isn’t running to help extend your battery’s life.
Recognizing the signs of a failing battery can prevent inconvenient breakdowns and help you avoid the stress of being stranded. With regular maintenance by a trusted auto repair shop and timely battery replacements, your car battery will provide the reliable power you need to stay safe on the road.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional auto maintenance advice.
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Feb. 2nd, 2023