No matter where a vehicle comes from, it is essential to get a car battery replacement when necessary. How do you know when your battery is causing issues instead of other components? Read this guide to find out.
1. The Engine Is Slow to Start
One sign you need a car battery replacement is if your engine takes a few more seconds than usual to turn over. This can happen because of general wear and tear over time.
When the battery components become less effective, you’ll notice a slow start to your car before the battery eventually dies altogether.
2. Electrical Issues
A battery acts as the powerhouse to the electrical components in your vehicle. If you notice your lights dimming or problems with the radio, your battery could be losing its charge.
When a battery is slowly dying, it won’t have the capacity to run the electronics in the vehicle at full power.
To combat this issue temporarily, you can unplug items in your car. For example, if you are using a cord to charge your phone inside the vehicle, it could be causing your battery to die faster.
Sooner than later, you’ll need a car battery replacement if you are experiencing electrical issues.
3. Check the Engine Light Is on
The check engine light coming on could mean several different things. It may even come on when your battery is running low on juice.
To eliminate the possibilities that could be wrong with your car when the check engine light comes on, take it to a mechanic. They can run a test to see if your battery is running at full capacity.
You can also check your vehicle’s manual for recommendations. If you learn that the battery is not running how it is supposed to, you must get it replaced right away to avoid a break down in the future.
4. Bad Odor
An internal shortage, chemical reaction, or damage to the battery could cause a battery to leak gas. A leaking battery often smells like rotten eggs. This is a sign that you need to get it checked out and replaced as soon as possible.
5. Corroded Connectors
You can check your starter motor engine at any time. In fact, you should regularly check the components under your hood to ensure everything looks right.
If you noticed an ashy, white substance on the metal parts of the battery during your quick check, corrosion is the culprit. If you have corroded tunnels, the negative and positive metal connections at the top of the battery, voltage issues may occur.
6. Misshaped Battery
During anytime you check your battery and see that it is misshaped, you need a car battery replacement right away. A car battery should always be rectangular but extreme weather conditions can cause it to morph.
7. Your Battery Is older than 3 years
Do you know when the last time your battery was replaced? If you can’t think of it or know it’s been 3-5 years, your vehicle may be in desperate need of a replacement.
In the best conditions, a car battery can last 3-5 years. If you drive with care and update electronics when necessary, your battery will have a longer lifespan.
You may not know your battery is old until it is too late. Because of this, it is recommended to get a performance test done on the regular when it is creeping up on the three-year mark.
8. Your Car Sat for Too Long
If you’ve been on a trip recently or haven’t found much use for your car, your battery may be dead when you try to use it again. The battery is affected by your driving patterns.
Driving frequently doesn’t always negatively impact your battery, but the opposite is true. Your battery actually recharges while you drive. When you leave your vehicle for an extended period of time, you aren’t protecting your battery.
9. Engine Doesn’t Start
If your engine is cranking but the vehicle won’t start, the problem almost always lies within the battery. This is one of the most common signs that you need a battery replacement.
Your battery is not giving the vehicle enough volts to start the engine. You can take the battery out to recharge it before putting it back in. You can also have another car jumpstart yours.
It is important to keep the vehicle running after a battery charge or jumpstart. You can then go get your battery tested.
These are often just temporary solutions to the problem. If your car isn’t starting because of the battery, it will do the same thing again until you replace it.
There are rare times when charging the battery or getting a jumpstart will leave your car in a sufficient condition. You can buy a replacement battery just in case you end up stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Do You Need a Car Battery Replacement?
It’s not always easy to determine when you need a car battery replacement because of other vehicle components. However, if you are experiencing any of the issues outlined in this guide, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you cannot test your car battery on your own, take it to a mechanic for advice. Often, mechanics will overcharge you to get the issue fix. Don’t let that be the case for you!
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