Does your car battery drain quickly, or does it not start the engine properly? Don’t worry, here we have quick solutions to fix these problems. The car battery is an important electrical component of your vehicle. It powers the cars engine and Powers all the electronical components of the vehicle. Usually Common Car Battery Problems occur because of corrosion, extreme temperatures or a battery being drained. This leads to symptoms such as difficulty starting the engine, dim headlights, etc. Regular maintenance of the battery is important to prevent these problems. If the problem occurs again and again, then you need to replace it.
In this guide, we will tell you the Common Car Battery Problems and Solutions to fix it. Please read this complete guide.
Understanding Common Car Battery Problems
A car battery is a rechargeable battery used to run the engine and electrical systems. It is a crucial component of your vehicle and ensures that your car runs smoothly. This is the reason it is important to address car battery problems immediately to ensure that your car will work properly.
Common car battery problems occur due to damage and deterioration. You should be aware of these problems to keep it the battery in good condition. The common problems are slow engine cranking, having to jump-start the vehicle multiple times, clicking sound, etc. Identifying these problems and following 10 Quick Fixes for Common Car Battery Problems are crucial, to ensure the reliable car functioning.
10 Quick Fixes for Common Car Battery Problems
Car battery problems occur from various factors, so the solutions also vary on the basis of the cause. Below we talk about Common Car Battery Problems and Solutions.
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Car Won’t Start? Check the Battery Terminals
The most common battery problem is the car will not start. If your car does not start, it means there are issues of dirty or loose battery terminals. In this case, you should check battery terminals, clean them properly to prevent corrosion. If you find loose terminal connections, then you should tighten it. You can use a tool called a spanner, socket or shifter to tighten terminals and connect them securely to the battery so it will run your car engine properly.
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Dead Battery? Try Jump-Starting
Another common car battery problem is a dead battery. If your car battery is draining quickly or dying, then you can try jump-starting. You should avoid leaving lights on or other car electrical systems on to prevent dead battery from occurring. Trying to jump start a car helps to start your engine, and recharge the battery fully.
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Battery Draining Overnight? Find Hidden Power Drains
If your car battery is draining overnight, then it indicates a sign of a parasitic draw. It is a common problem that occurs due to a light or accessory being left on or malfunctioning electronic systems in the car.
If you notice this problem, then you must consult with a mechanic or auto electrician. They will perform parasitic draw tests and determine the elective drain to fix this issue.
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Engine Struggles to Start? Test the Battery Voltage
If your car engine does not start easily, then it indicates problems with battery voltage. It shows a weak battery, which results in difficulty starting the engine or slow cranking. To fix this car battery problem, you should use a multimeter and measure the battery voltage. If it measures below 12 volts, then it indicates a flat or dead battery which may need replacing immediately.
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Battery Keeps Dying? Inspect the Alternator
If the car battery constantly dies while the car engine is running, then it shows the need for an alternator replacement immediately. An Alternator works to charge the battery when the car is running. If the alternator does not work properly, then your battery will not charge and cause power issues, the battery warning signal on your dash generally means an alternator fault. If you find a faulty alternator, then you should take your care to a mechanic asap. They will test the alternator and replace it.
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Corrosion on Terminals? Clean It Up
Another Common Car Battery Problem is corrosion. Over time, corrosion can build up on your car battery terminals. It prevents the battery from properly charging and also does not give enough power to start the vehicle.
To fix this issue, you should clean the battery terminals. To clear it, you should use a mixture of water and baking soda or boiling water out of the kettle, scrub the terminals with a wire brush, rinse it with clean water and give it time to dry properly and spray with wd40 or inox, then connect again with the battery.
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Car Battery Overheating? Check the Charging System
Excessive heat in your car battery also damages it and reduces its life. You should only give enough voltage to charge the battery because excessive voltage can damage it. (Anything over 14.8v will damage your battery. Also, use the right charger to charge it properly.
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Battery Not Holding Charge? Consider a Replacement
If your battery does not hold a charge overnight that’s showing signs of needing to be replaced. Keep in mind that car batteries last for 3 to 4 years, and your driving habits and climate conditions can affect its lifespan. If your battery is damaged and old, then you should replace it. You should consider replacing the battery through A trained technician or mechanic.
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Frequent Short Trips? Adjust Your Driving Habits
Poor driving habits, including short trips can affect the battery life. Try to reduce the number of short trips, because it does not give enough time for the alternator to charge the battery fully. Taking longer trips helps maintain battery health.
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Car Battery in Cold Weather? Increase Cold-Cranking Amps (CCA)
Extreme weather conditions affect the battery health and may damage it. Batteries will lose their cranking power in cold climates and make it tough to start the engine. Hot climate can cause battery fluid to evaporate, and damage it.
It is suggested to store the car in a garage or insulated space in cold weather to prevent freezing. It is also suggested to increase Cold-Cranking Amps (CCA) to prevent further damage.
Common Car Battery Problems and Solutions
The lifespan of a car battery ranges from 3-4 years. Whether it lasts for 3 years or 4 years depends upon your driving habits. Climate conditions also affect the battery performance. Driving the car for a short time ( less than 20 minutes), does not give it enough time for the battery to fully recharged, and it reduces its life.
Extreme temperatures also kill batteries. Too hot and too cold temperatures can shorten the life of your car battery. It is also suggested to be aware of the replacement signs.
Replacing the battery timely is also important to get maximum performance. Let us talk about these signs.
- Battery Age
The common age of batteries is 3 to 4 years. If you are near to this lifespan, then you should be considered a replacement.
- Frequent Jump-Starts
If your car requires frequent jump start service, then it is a sign your battery needs replacement. In this condition, your battery is unable to hold charge for a long period
- Slow Engine Cranking
If you notice the sluggish or delayed cranking sound while starting your car, then you must replace the battery immediately.
- Dim Lights or Electrical Problems
Dim lights or problems with electrical components of your car, shows a failing battery. In this case, you need to replace your car battery.
- Battery Warning Light
If you notice a battery light on the dashboard, then it is a sign of a weak alternator and you need a replacement.
- Battery swollen or Leakage
If you find your car battery swollen, visible leaks or bloated, then you must replace it instantly to avoid further damage.
- Corrosion on Terminals
If your battery is corroded again and again, it means it loses its effectiveness and signs the need for replacement.
Final Thoughts on Car Battery Maintenance
Facing car battery problems is common, but if you follow the above solutions, then you can fix it immediately and get back on track. The common problems caused by car batteries are corroded battery terminals, dead batteries, alternators and cold weather issues, etc. Ensure you use the right tools and methods to follow 10 Quick Fixes for Common Car Battery Problems.
Proper car battery maintenance tips also help to prevent these problems. Moreover, it is suggested to adopt good driving habits and run the car smoothly to avoid these problems. If you do not know how to change your car battery, then you can contact one of our professional technicians at BatteriesSunshineCoast, to replace it.
