How Do You Know if Your Car Battery is Failing?
Have you rushed out the door on your way to work and find that your car won’t start? You wonder if the battery dead, or if the alternator is failing? You may be wondering how do you know if your car battery is failing? Knowing the signs of a dying battery will save you a lot of frustration and inconvenience by knowing when you need a car battery replacement!
So how do you know if your car battery is failing? Here are some obvious signs that your battery is going bad:
- Slow engine crank. Your car is hard to start and possibly won’t start at all.
- Clicking sounds. A rapid clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition indicates that the battery doesn’t have enough power to crank the engine.
- Dim headlights. They aren’t getting enough power.
- Electrical problems. The electronic accessories (power seats, power windows, radio, dashboard lights, headlights, windshield wipers, and more) aren’t working properly.
- Dashboard warning light. This light (possibly in the shape of a battery or alternator) is triggered when a sensor detects that the battery is going bad, the alternator is failing, or there are other problems in the electrical system.
- Swollen battery case. Constant exposure to extreme temperatures (such as repeated freezing and thawing) can cause the sides of the battery case to swell.
- Old battery. Depending on your driving habits and exposure to extreme climate changes, the average car battery usually only lasts around four to five years.
- Loose battery terminals. The connections have become too loose, possibly by the vibration of the car.
- A light was left on. Leaving lights on or accessories running while the car is parked can drain the battery of its charge.
If you have experienced any of the above problems and your battery tests good, there are other issues to consider, such as a failing alternator or bad ignition switch. Your certified auto mechanic can easily pinpoint the cause of your starting problems.
Have more questions about how do you know if your car battery is failing? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Puleo’s Auto Clinic for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Washington, NJ, and the surrounding areas.
Have you rushed out the door on your way to work and find that your car won’t start? You wonder if the battery dead, or if the alternator is failing? You may be wondering how do you know if your car battery is failing? Knowing the signs of a dying battery will save you a lot of frustration and inconvenience by knowing when you need a car battery replacement!
So how do you know if your car battery is failing? Here are some obvious signs that your battery is going bad:
- Slow engine crank. Your car is hard to start and possibly won’t start at all.
- Clicking sounds. A rapid clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition indicates that the battery doesn’t have enough power to crank the engine.
- Dim headlights. They aren’t getting enough power.
- Electrical problems. The electronic accessories (power seats, power windows, radio, dashboard lights, headlights, windshield wipers, and more) aren’t working properly.
- Dashboard warning light. This light (possibly in the shape of a battery or alternator) is triggered when a sensor detects that the battery is going bad, the alternator is failing, or there are other problems in the electrical system.
- Swollen battery case. Constant exposure to extreme temperatures (such as repeated freezing and thawing) can cause the sides of the battery case to swell.
- Old battery. Depending on your driving habits and exposure to extreme climate changes, the average car battery usually only lasts around four to five years.
- Loose battery terminals. The connections have become too loose, possibly by the vibration of the car.
- A light was left on. Leaving lights on or accessories running while the car is parked can drain the battery of its charge.
If you have experienced any of the above problems and your battery tests good, there are other issues to consider, such as a failing alternator or bad ignition switch. Your certified auto mechanic can easily pinpoint the cause of your starting problems.
Have more questions about how do you know if your car battery is failing? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Puleo’s Auto Clinic for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Washington, NJ, and the surrounding areas.
