The battery can be considered as the heart of your vehicle, and when the heart stops working, your vehicle stops running. It is not always easy to tell when you need a new battery, however, especially if you are not mechanically minded but there are some signs that you can look out for.
If you think that your car battery might be on the verge of stopping, you will need to purchase a new one. Some of the signs of a failing car battery are obvious, while others are a little trickier to spot. But, once you understand what to look for, you will be able to monitor your battery with ease. Below are some of the top signs to look out for to spot a failing car battery.
Slow Starting Engine
Over time and thanks to wear and tear, the components in your car battery will eventually become less effective. When this happens, you will find that your battery takes a longer time to generate a charge for the starting engine. This means that you will have to wait a few extra seconds for the engine to turn over.
A slow starting engine is one of the tell-tale signs that you might need to purchase a new car battery. When you are testing your starting engine, it is important not to overdo it and rev your engine too hard or try it too many times in a row, as this could flood the engine and cause your car to stop working altogether. If you notice a slow starting engine, it is best to speak to a professional and ask for their advice before making your own conclusions.
Intermittent Starting
Another sing that there might be an issue with your battery is if your car starts fine on one day, but not on the next day. Intermittent starting could mean that there is a problem with your battery, such as your battery terminals being loose or broken. It could also mean that there is corrosion or calcification in your battery.
You can examine the issue by checking the battery cables yourself to see if they are loose and reconnect them. You should not be able to move them even slightly if they are properly secure, so if you are able to do this, it is time to look into a new car battery. It is best to allow a professional to test all of the cables so that they can ascertain what the problem is and what type of battery you will need.
Dim Lights
Your car battery powers every aspect of your car, including the inside and outside lights. This might be a little more difficult to spot if you do not pay attention to how bright your lights are, but it is a tell-tale sign of a failing battery. If you notice that your headlights and other lights are becoming dimmer, you should take a look at your battery.
Similarly, if you notice that your electronics are failing, this could also be related to your battery. If you plug in your charger or use your music player regularly and see that they are not operating at optimal capacity, they could be draining the battery. It is better to use minimal electronic devices in your car so that the battery can maintain as much power as possible.
Look Out For Leaks
A battery that is leaking fluid will likely need to be replaced at some point in the near future, and so it is important that you monitor your battery for any fluid that might be leaking out. Be sure to clean this fluid up as quickly as possible in order to prevent it from reaching any of the other engine components.
If you have noticed any of these signs, it might be time to look for a new car battery. Be sure to read your car manual or ask a professional for the right size and model. At Battery Clinic, we have a diverse range of new and reconditioned batteries to choose from. Contact us today to find out more.
