Replacing the battery on your vehicle is often an overlooked task, since they are designed to last for so long; however, without a battery your car is just something nice to look at because you won’t be going anywhere in it. There are several signs that it might be time for a new car battery, so avoid the inconvenience of getting stuck somewhere by staying tuned in to what your car is telling you when you drive.
How Long Has Your Current Battery Been Installed?
The most obvious place to start would be knowing when your battery was purchased, which can be easy to lose track of when you are humming along nicely. In ideal conditions, a battery should last from 3 to 5 years. In southern states where the temperatures are much higher, it is closer to 3 years, as excessive heat will cause them to degrade faster. When in doubt, check the sticker on the box.
Not Turning Over Smoothly
When your car doesn’t start up right away, or if you hear a sluggish sound when you turn the key, chances are your battery is no longer in its prime. There is the possibility that it is an issue with the starter or the alternator, but checking the battery is a good place to begin when diagnosing the problem.
Asking for Frequent Jumps
As your car battery gets older, it won’t be able to hold a charge as well as it did when it when you first bought it. If you are turning into a pro with the jumper cables, then it is time to invest in a new battery. While there may be other reasons for needing a jump, such as having a car that has been garaged for a long period of time, if it is happening frequently, the battery is ready to retire.
Dim or Flickering Lights
A sure sign that your car isn’t running on full power is when the lights start to dim or flicker. This is more noticeable at night and can turn into a safety issue. While this could also be caused by the alternator, it is best to start by checking the battery, which may be not sending out enough charge to keep the lights working properly.
Corrosion
A heavy buildup on your battery is an indication that it is leaking acid. Corrosion will hinder your battery’s ability to function by lowering the voltage that gets sent out to the engine. Cleaning off the corrosion will buy you some time, but keep in mind, this is a temporary fix, because if something is leaking, the problem will return.
Unpleasant Odor
The distinctive smell of rotten eggs should get your attention that something is not right under the hood. When your battery starts to leak gas, this unwanted smell will be hard to miss. The leak could be the result of damage to the battery, and there is no escaping the smell or the fact that it is time for a replacement.
If you are experiencing any of these issues with your vehicle, then it is time to take care of the problem so that you aren’t left stranded. We make getting your car serviced a convenient experience, so book your appointment online at Porsche Warwick for a new battery today.
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