In our last blog post, we talked about the signs that your vehicle’s alternator is dying. Now let’s talk about what happens when the car battery is dying. On average, you can expect to get three to five years out of your vehicle’s battery. After that, it might die without any warning, or you may end up receiving some warning before it dies completely. The Shop Tire and Service Center lists these warning signs below.
1. Battery Case Damage
It’s a good idea to pop the hood and inspect your battery every once in a while. The battery case should look the same all the time. The chemical reaction inside a dying battery can get wonky, and you might end up with bubbles or cracks on the exterior battery case.
2. Battery Light Warning
You may also end up with the battery light warning on your vehicle’s dashboard. If the battery light comes on, as we discussed in the last blog post, this is a sign that you have a problem with the alternator or the battery.
3. Corroded Connectors
Another thing to look for when inspecting your battery is corrosion on the terminals and connectors. Oftentimes, an older battery will start to leak and you will end up with corroded terminals and cables. This is a sign that your battery needs to be replaced.
4. Electrical Issues
You may also experience electrical problems if your battery is dying. For example, your headlights and interior lights may go dim or flicker. You may also notice it takes longer for the lights on your dashboard to turn on when you start your automobile.
5. Hard/Slow Starts
As the battery reaches the end of its life, you may be able to get your automobile started but it will take some effort. It may be slow to start, and you will hear cranking before the vehicle starts. Even though you can get your car, truck, or utility vehicle started, your battery is still dying.
6. Rotten Egg Odors
Finally, sulfuric acid is found inside your car battery and you may smell rotten eggs if the battery is leaking. It’s important not to touch the battery with bare hands if it is leaking acid. This acid can eat through your clothing and your skin very quickly.
The Shop Tire and Service Center in Elk River, MN, can help. Call us today if you believe that your car battery is dying. We will test the battery, inspect it, and let you know if it needs to be replaced.