Your battery is an extremely important part of your car. It provides the spark that helps get the engine going. Without it, you (literally) won’t be going anywhere.
Like all things though, car batteries have a limited lifespan. After all, nothing lasts forever. But how do you know when it’s time to change out your old battery for a shiny new one?
Most manufacturers say that you should replace your car battery every five years. But what are the signs that you may need a new battery soon?
It’s also important to be aware of the warning signs that everything is not “A okay” with your battery. It’s important to note that the cause of an issue isn’t always the battery itself. Sometimes, issues that are initially presumed to be with the battery end up being caused by a faulty alternator.
With that, here are a few warning signs that not all is well in Oz (battery speaking):
Signs It May Be Time for a New Car Battery
1. Clicking When Turning the Key Over
Your battery provides the spark that gets your engine going. However, if your battery is out of juice, this isn’t going to be happening. If your car isn’t starting when you turn your key over and instead you hear a clicking sound, you should get your battery looked at.
2. Dimmed Headlights
Your battery plays a big part in giving your headlights the juice they need to shine brightly. A dying battery may not be able to give headlights the power they need, leading to dimmer-than-usual lights.
3. Slow Starting Up
A dead (or nearly dead) battery doesn’t always mean a car won’t start. However, a dying battery can mean that your car will be slower starting up.
In some cases, the issue may not be with your vehicle, but instead with loose battery terminals. This can cause a loss of power to the vehicle. In this case, tightening up the battery terminals should solve the issue. If it doesn’t, it’s best to bring your car in.
4. Corrosion
Have you ever opened up the back of a TV remote or gaming controller to be greeted by grayish-green battery corroded battery acid? The same thing can happen to a car battery but on a bigger scale. Corrosion most often occurs on the connections between the power cables and battery.
5. A Swollen Battery Case
While less common, a swollen battery case is also a bad sign for your battery. Battery cases swell for a variety of reasons: short circuiting, damage, frozen electrolyte, or faulty voltage regulator in the alternator, to name a few. Regardless of what you think the cause may be, it’s a good idea to bring your car in if you notice a swollen battery case.
Whether you suspect an issue with your battery, alternator, or starter, it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle into Beetlesmith’s. For over 40 years our shop has provided quality customer service and reliable repairs to the Renton community. Request an appointment today.
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