The battery in your car is one of the most critical components because without it working correctly, none of the electrical parts will work even if the vehicle starts. In modern cars, the entire thing works through a computer and its chips, which makes it imperative to have a battery that is in good working condition.
Experts claim that a brand new battery will last an average of 3 years, which is when you will start noticing some of the following issues. Before getting to them, though, it is crucial to know that just because three years is the average life span of a battery, you do not always have to replace it at that time.
It can last for years after that, depending on the vehicle that it is in, how you maintain it, and how much abuse the battery has gone through. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how to identify when to replace your car battery before you end up breaking down on the side of the road.
1. Slow Cranking
If your vehicle turns over slowly and spins before starting, or if it doesn’t start at all, the battery probably needs replacement. By looking at the lights, you can also tell when the battery is in trouble when cranking the car. If they flicker or dim, it is time to spring for an updated battery.
2. Headlights
If your headlights are not as bright as they used to be, or if they dim down every time you hit the accelerator, there may be something wrong with your battery. Numerous other things can affect your lights in this way, such as a short circuit or bad bulbs, so do not assume it is the battery. Go down to your nearest shop that offers car battery replacement when needed. They will test the battery and the electrical system and let you know if it is indeed the battery or if something else is the culprit.
3. Rotten Eggs
If you have noticed the smell of rotten eggs, it may be a sign that the battery is leaking acid. You need to check into it or take it to the garage to see if there is acid pooling around the battery. If it is the problem, do not hesitate to change the battery. It could lead to serious problems, especially if the acid leaks onto other car components.
4. Jumped
If you have had to jump the vehicle numerous times and it still has issues, the battery may be the problem. Once again, it could be a number of things, so take it to a shop that can test the battery. Plus, if something else needs to be repaired, the shop can take care of it since the car is already there.
5. Battery Light
If this little light on the dash comes on, it is time to have it checked out. A shop can run the codes from the light, see what is going on, and test the battery to see if it is good. Never ignore this dash light, or any other light on the dashboard for that matter, because it signals you that there is a problem, usually before it becomes a big issue.
You will usually know when the car battery needs to be replaced, but many of those signs can actually be other things. It will not hurt anything if you have the extra money to buy a new battery. In fact, a new battery may solve the problem that you are having. But even if it doesn’t, having a new battery can make the car run better, especially if you own a newer vehicle.
If you own a car with stop/start technology, always ensure that you have a good, healthy battery because it takes much more power than the average car, minus the EVs driving around. These cars require a good battery to charge and engage the motors that run them, so these will need to be replaced regularly. Your best bet is to follow the suggestions in your car’s owner’s manual.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
