4 Indisputable Signs Your Car Battery Is Failing

When it comes to driving, always be prepared for the unexpected, and one of the most important things you can do to be prepared is to know when your car battery is failing.

Many people wait until their car doesn’t start before replacing the battery, but this can be very dangerous. Car batteries usually last around four years, but they may last longer or shorter depending on the type of battery you have in your vehicle and how often it’s used.

Here are some indisputable signs that your car battery is gradually failing and needs to be replaced.

1) Your Battery Emits a Disgusting Smell

If your battery emits a disgusting smell, the acid inside of the battery is likely leaking. This can cause substantial damage to your car and can even be dangerous.

If you notice a bad smell coming from your battery, take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible.

2) Corroded Cables and Terminals

Your battery’s cables and terminals should be clean. If you notice any corrosion, it could signify that your car battery is failing. Corrosion can prevent the electricity from flowing freely through the system. This will cause your vehicle to struggle to start in extreme temperatures such as cold weather or extremely hot days in summer when the usage of the AC is higher.

If you see any corrosion on the cables or terminals, clean it off as soon as possible and have a mechanic take a look at your battery to see if it’s still in good condition. If not, they can help you replace it before it becomes an even bigger problem down the road.

3) The Engine Cranks Slowly

If your vehicle’s engine is cranking slowly, it could signify that you need to replace the battery. When starting your car on a cold morning, the motor will crank more slowly than usual because there isn’t enough power in its cells yet for them to work effectively and turn over quickly.

If the car battery is weak, however, it might not crank over the engine at all. If you’re noticing that your engine takes a little longer than usual to start up, or if it doesn’t start up at all, it could be time for a new battery.

4) Headlights are Dim

If your headlights are dim or flickering, it could mean that the battery is weak. There are other possible causes for dim lights, such as a bad alternator and worn-out light bulbs, so you should take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic to get an accurate diagnosis before replacing anything else in your car.

If they determine that you need a new battery, you should replace it immediately to keep yourself and other drivers safe.

When you detect these signs, it’s a good idea to go down to your preferred dealership service center and have their certified car technicians check out the battery for you.

If it does need replacing, they can help you find a replacement that will suit your vehicle properly and get it installed safely.

At Cutter CDJR Pearl City, serving Pearl City, HI, we invite you to schedule an appointment for battery testing and replacement. We’ll ensure your car is back up and running in no time!

Posted in Blog | No Comments »