How Do You Know It’s Time to Change Your Car Battery?
How Do You Know It’s Time to Change Your Car Battery? Car batteries typically last three to five years. But sometimes, your car battery could get drained or damaged, resulting in the need to replace it much earlier than expected. One easy way to know if it’s time for your car battery replacement is to get your battery professionally tested.
There are also some other signs you can look for that could indicate a dying car battery.
1. Electrical Issues and Dim Car Lights
Everything that has to do with electronics in your car is powered by the battery. If you encounter any electrical issues with your vehicle, it may be a sign your car battery is losing its juice. These electrical issues can manifest in the form of phantom engine/sensor warnings and a failure to turn on the stereo.
2. Slow Starting Engine
Your car battery is essentially what gets the engine started and running as you turn it on. So, if your engine takes a bit longer to start than it usually does, it could be a sign of a dying battery, and it may be going out soon.
3. Check Engine Light Is On
Every vehicle dashboard contains a number of symbols that light up to indicate if something is or isn’t working correctly. Some of the more common ones you’ll see are the turn signals and the fuel level indicator.
But the check engine light could also show on your dashboard. This symbol is the primary indicator that there’s something wrong with your engine, typically concerning the battery. If this light goes off, it’s best to get your battery tested to see if it’s still working at full capacity. But if you find that it’s not, it would just mean it’s time for a car battery replacement.
4. Corroded Connectors
Car battery replacement isn’t only necessary when a car battery has lost all its capacity. The issue could also be due to corrosion. If you notice any white and ashy substances on the metal parts of your car battery, it is likely that the terminal connectors have corroded. When this happens, you may find it difficult to start your vehicle, or you may encounter voltage issues.
5. Bad Odours
Your sense of smell will sometimes alert you when something is wrong with your car battery. That’s because a rotten egg smell can come out of a car battery, especially when gas is leaking out of it. The leak can often be caused by an internal short or damage to the battery, and if this happens, it is crucial to get it checked as soon as possible. And in some cases, car battery replacement may even be necessary.
Final Thoughts
The car battery plays a very important role in the overall function of your vehicle. This is why it’s imperative to get it replaced when the time comes. With regular use, this typically means every three to five years; however, other factors can affect your battery life. So, it’s best to be aware of the signs of a dying battery and take the appropriate action as soon as you spot them.
Get a new battery for your car from Batteries Sunshine Coast. We provide all sorts of batteries and even offer car battery replacement services at your home/work on the Sunshine Coast.
We are available 24/7 and can arrive in 40 minutes or less. Call us now!