Knowing how long a car battery lasts helps you determine whether yours is dying. If your battery is three to four years old, it will die soon. Most car batteries give you about this much life before they need to be replaced. Aside from the battery’s age, here are other signs that your car’s battery is going bad.
Illuminated Battery Light
The battery light on the dashboard may turn on if the battery is going bad. When this light shines, you’ve got an electrical problem of some sort. The battery may not be able to hold a charge anymore or the alternator could be malfunctioning. Either way, it is important that you take note of this dashboard warning, as it may save you from a dead battery in the future.
Difficulty Starting the Engine
If your car, truck, or SUV’s engine has started to crank more before it starts, your battery is trying to tell you something. The engine will crank once or twice before it fires up, but if the battery is dying, the engine may crank several times before it is able to ignite.
Light and Electrical Problems
You may also start to notice light and electrical problems. For example, if you see that your headlights and dashboard light are dimmer at night, the battery may not be producing enough power. Electrical components, such as the power windows, may also slow down.
Corroded Battery Terminals
Even if your battery isn’t three years old, it’s a good idea to pop the hood every once in a while to inspect it. You want to make certain that the battery terminals and cable connectors are not corroded. If they are, your car’s battery is leaking battery acid. This is a problem.
Rancid Odors Near the Battery
Another sign of leaking battery acid is a rancid odor that smells like rotten eggs. This is the odor of sulfuric acid, which is the acid found in car batteries. This acid works with the lead plates to create a chemical reaction inside the battery to keep it charged.
Cracked or Misshapen Case
If there is an issue with the chemical reaction, your battery’s case may crack or warp. You may also see bubbles on it. It is important to replace a battery with a misshapen case right away because the inside of the battery has a serious problem that causes the bloating.
We can do that here at our shop, so call us today to set up a service appointment. Do get stuck with a dead battery. Take action at the first sign of battery trouble.
