Your car battery is one of the most important components in your vehicle, and it's essential to ensure that it's always functioning properly.
A dead or malfunctioning battery can cause a significant inconvenience and even put you in danger on the road. Here, we’ll take you through five signs that your car battery needs replacing.
Check Engine Light
If your check engine light is on, this could be a sign that your battery is failing. Although the check engine light can illuminate for other reasons, it's always a good indicator of any underlying issues.
In addition, if you notice that other warning lights on your dashboard are illuminated, such as the battery light or the low coolant light this can also indicate a battery issue.
Slow Engine Crank
A slow or weaker engine crank is one of the first and most obvious signs that your car battery needs to be replaced. When you turn your key in the ignition, and the engine cranks very slowly, it's an indication that your battery is not providing enough power to start the car.
Several factors, such as cold weather or leaving the headlights on, can contribute to a weak engine crank.
Dimmed Headlights
If you notice that your headlights are dimmer than they typically are, this could also indicate that your car battery is running out of juice.
Typically, your headlights are the brightest when the engine is running. If you see that they are dimming, even though the engine is on, it's a warning sign that your battery is low on power.
Swollen Battery Case
A swollen battery case results from high temperatures and can cause irreversible damage to your battery and car.
You may notice bulges in the corners or sides of the battery. Swollen batteries usually indicate that the battery has been overcharged or is overheated.
Age of Battery
Even if you haven't experienced any indications that your battery is failing, it's essential to keep in mind that batteries typically last three to five years before requiring replacement. The age of your battery is stamped on its label, so you can effectively determine its age. If you're approaching the five-year mark, considering proactively replacing your battery to avoid the inconvenience of an unexpected breakdown.
To ensure that your car battery is always in optimal condition, look out for any warning signs of a failing battery. Getting your vehicle regularly serviced by a trained technician also helps to identify any potential issues before they escalate.
Being mindful of how your car operates can also give you an advantage in spotting any issues early on. The earlier you intervene, the safer you are on the road!
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