Have you needed to jumpstart your car battery recently? Maybe you left your dome light on, or it could be a sign that your battery is failing. How do you know when it’s time to get a new auto battery? Wilson Tire & Auto in Nashville can walk you through some sure signs that your battery needs to be replaced.
Signs of a Failing Car Battery
Bulging Case
If the battery case is swollen or cracked, it absolutely needs to be replaced. In fact, it is unsafe to drive on in this condition — they are a fire hazard — so replacement and proper disposal should happen ASAP.
Corroded Terminals
Corrosion will appear as a blue, green, or white powdery substance on the terminals of your battery. With enough buildup, it blocks the electricity flowing between the battery and the rest of the car and can even cause the battery to fail faster.
Sulfur Smell
The smell of sulfur comes from the battery leaking sulfuric acid. This is a potential fire hazard and can corrode other parts of your car, so requires quick replacement by a professional.
Trouble Starting
A failing battery can cause issues with the entire starting process of your vehicle, so you may notice a few possible symptoms. These can include:
- Clicking sound when trying to start the vehicle
- Slow engine turnover
- Frequent need for jumpstarts
Electrical System Issues
Because so much of your car’s electrical system relies on the battery, these components can be the first signs of problems. Lights — including inside lighting, headlights, etc. — the infotainment system, power windows, and accessories like heated seats may falter or seem less powerful than usual when a battery starts to fail.
Warning Lights
Your vehicle may have some dashboard warning lights to let you know when your battery is struggling. You may see a Battery warning light, or it could appear as a Check Engine Light.
Battery Age
Finally, consider the age of your car’s battery. Auto batteries generally have a lifespan of 3-5 years, so if yours is within or past that window, it may be time to replace it — or at the very least, have its voltage tested. If your battery has a voltage any lower than 12.6, then it is time for a replacement.
Keeping Your Car Battery Alive Longer
Once your battery has passed the point of no return, it does need to be replaced. However, there are ways to extend the lifespan of a car battery once you have your new one. To start, ensure that you drive long enough to fully charge your battery, rather than taking frequent short trips that don’t allow for a full charge. In the same vein, if you are taking a short drive, don’t overuse your electrical components — lights, infotainment, heated seats — so the power that is produced can go to the battery instead. If possible, don’t expose your vehicle to extreme temperatures. And finally, stay on top of regular maintenance for your battery, which includes voltage testing and cleaning the terminals.
Wilson Tire & Auto in Nashville can help you with these maintenance tasks, as well as find you the right battery when it’s time for a replacement. If you have any other questions about your car battery, electrical system, or any part of your vehicle, our ASE-certified technicians are available to help. Give us a call, stop by, or book an appointment today.
