Does this scenario sound familiar? You are rushing out the door to work and find that your car will not start. You think you have a bad car battery, but how do you know for sure? Drivers can save themselves a lot of frustration by taking care of a needed car battery replacement. Don’t delay until you’re stranded in the driveway!
So how do you know when your car battery needs to be replaced?
- Slow engine crank. Your car may or may not start after some tries.
- Clicking sound. You may just hear a rapid clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition, indicating there isn’t sufficient power to crank the engine.
- Dim headlights. The headlights aren’t getting the power they need.
- Electrical issues. The electronic accessories may not function correctly, such as power seats, power windows, GPS, radio, headlights, windshield wipers, and much more.
- Dashboard warning light. Typically in the shape of a car battery, this warning light could mean the battery is bad, the alternator is dying, or there is an issue in another component of the electrical system.
- Swollen battery case. Continuous exposure to extreme temperatures can cause the battery case to swell up.
- Older than 4 years. A car battery generally only lasts around 4 or 5 years, fluctuating based on exposure to extreme temperatures and your driving habits. Your battery can become unreliable when it gets close to the 4-year mark.
- Loose connections. The battery will appear to be dying if the terminals are not correctly connected.
- A light was left on. Test your battery. If it is good and there are no other issues, a light may have been left on for an extended period of time. A simple recharge should be all that is needed to restore the charge.
Remember: If you notice any of the issues above, you may want to replace your car battery so you’re not left stranded in your driveway or a dark parking lot.
How do you know when your car battery needs to be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
