Signs of a Nearly Dead Car Battery
A car battery can last up to six years in ideal environments and circumstances. However, most only last about four to five years because of the colder evening temperatures in the winter, and the excessively hot Arizona temperatures in the summer.
Knowing what the signs are that your car’s battery is nearing the end of its lifespan can help you to identify a dying battery before the telltale sign of your car not starting. Here are five signs that your car’s battery is likely nearing the end of its lifespan.
1. Your Car Takes a Little While to Start
When you turn your key in the ignition your car should start right away. When your battery is near the end of its lifespan, it may take a little while to start. You may hear clicking noises or it may sound like your engine is sputtering while it tries to turn over and start. If your car doesn’t turn over as fast as it has in the past, the battery needs to be tested.
However, you should look at the battery before you get it tested. A dirty battery and loose connectors can also cause your car to be slow to start. If you’re in this situation, clean the connectors and terminals with a battery-cleaning product, and ensure the connectors are not loose. This may solve the problem or help to define the battery as your problem.
2. You Have to Give Your Car Some Extra Gas to Get It to Start
When you go to start your car, it may feel like it’s about to stall unless you give it gas. Lightly pressing on the gas pedal gives your car the kick it needs to start and prevents the shaking or shuddering feeling. While this may help your car to start, it is not normal to have to do this. This is a sign that something is wrong with your car.
Having to give your car gas to get it to start is linked to weak batteries or weak spark plugs. You should have your car looked at to find out what the issue is and have it repaired.
3. The Car’s Headlights Are Dim
As you use your headlights, they should not dim. The main reason they would become more dim is because they don’t get the power they need to shine bright. A weak or dying battery can cause this problem. If you notice your headlights or other electrical components in your vehicle, such as dashboard lights, are not as bright as they once were, test your battery.
If you learn that your battery isn’t the problem, check the alternator — the part responsible for charging your battery. If the alternator doesn’t charge your battery, your headlights and electrical components may be dim.
4. Your Battery or Check Engine Light Is On
You don’t usually have to look too hard to determine that your battery may be dying. Some cars alert you to a problem via your dashboard warning lights. Your check engine light, or your battery light if your vehicle has one, may illuminate if your battery doesn’t charge properly or is weak.
5. The Battery Terminals Are Corroded
As a battery ages, it may show signs of age on the battery body. You may see leaks or corrosion around the battery terminals, large dents in the battery, or a swollen or misshaped battery. A battery that does not look like its former self needs to be replaced.
If your battery shows any signs that it is near the end of its lifespan, test the battery and replace it before you find yourself unable to start your car. Here at BRAKEmax Tire & Service Centers, we can test your battery, help you to select a new one, and install it. Book your appointment with us today.
