Signs It’s Time for a Car Battery Replacement

There are some signs you should never ignore when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Your battery is one of the most important components of your vehicle, so it’s important to know when it’s time to get a new one. Signs you need a new car battery can include dashboard lights, trouble starting and much more.

Read on for signs it’s time for a car battery replacement.

Your car has trouble starting

This is one of the most annoying signs that it’s time for a new car battery. Almost everyone has experienced the annoyance of getting ready to leave, only to find out their car won’t start—but it isn’t always the battery’s fault. Other reasons a car won’t start include an empty gas tank, clogged fuel filter, bad ignition coil and a bad starter motor.

Signs it’s the battery causing start-up issues include flickering lights and strange noises when turning the key. If you’re experiencing these issues, bring your battery to a testing facility to see if it’s the problem.

Warning lights

Most cars feature a warning light that signals when there’s a problem with the battery. Check your vehicle’s manual to see which light signals a battery issue. In some vehicles, the check engine light could signal an issue with the battery.

Problems with electrical components

Electrical components of your vehicle may include power windows and power locks. If you notice these components malfunctioning, there could be a problem with your battery. A few of the most common signs people experience when needing a new car battery include a malfunctioning radio and dimming lights. Notably, bad wiring could also cause all the issues mentioned above.

Strange smells

Strange smells often signal some sort of problem with your vehicle. The most common smell associated with battery problems is rotten eggs. This smell is often caused by a damaged battery, though it could also mean an internal short has caused the battery to leak gas. If you notice this smell, visit a local mechanic right away. If the battery is causing this smell, replace it as soon as possible.

Determine the age of your car battery

It’s important to keep track of when you purchased your car battery, as they should be replaced every three years or so. This can vary based on the type of battery you purchased as well as your driving patterns; however, if you’re experiencing vehicle problems and it’s coming up on that three-year mark, chances are you need a new battery.

Bring your vehicle to an auto shop first

As mentioned above, batteries aren’t always the cause of start-up problems. Before investing in a battery replacement, bring your car to an auto shop first. A reputable mechanic can help you save time and money by determining the exact cause of your vehicle issues.

If you’re in need of top-quality auto repair and maintenance services, you should visit the experts at Auto Air & Heating, Inc. You can trust our expert mechanics to diagnose and repair any issues quickly and efficiently.

Categorised in: Batteries

This post was written by Writer