How to Tell If Your Car Battery Is Dying: Signs and Solutions
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When your car has a dead battery, you can’t go anywhere until you fix it. Don’t wait until you jump in the driver’s seat one day and realize you’re stuck to start paying attention. Instead, learn the signs of a failing car battery to look out for so you'll have plenty of time to address the issue.
Understanding the Importance of a Healthy Car Battery
Cars require healthy batteries to function. Without one, the vehicle simply won’t run. The battery provides the power to start the engine and helps power the electrical components of your vehicle, such as the dashboard lights, radio, and wipers. Keeping an eye on your car battery is part of proper car maintenance.
Common Signs of a Failing Car Battery
So how do you know if you have a problem with your car battery? Look out for these common signs and investigate if you notice any of them.
Slow engine cranking
When everything is working properly, your vehicle engine should turn over pretty much right away when you turn the key or press the ignition button. If you notice that the engine takes longer to start, you could have a battery issue. Slow cranking can also be a sign of a bad starter and other potential issues, so look for other signs of battery problems as well.
Dim headlights
If your battery is losing power, you may notice that your headlights are dimmer than usual. A dying battery often doesn’t have enough power to fully illuminate the lights.
Dashboard warning lights
Most cars have a built-in alert to tell you something is wrong with your battery. If you see a battery signal lit up on your dashboard, your battery is likely either dead or dying. You may also see a check engine light if a failing car battery is connected to other issues with your vehicle.
How To Test Your Car Battery for Failure
If you suspect a problem with a bad battery, the first thing you should do is pop the hood and do a quick visual inspection. Look for battery corrosion (a white powdery substance), cracks, battery fluid leaks, or damage to the battery terminals and cables.
Even if you don’t see any of these visual cues, there could still be something wrong with the battery. Test it using a multimeter. Make sure your engine is cool, select the 20-volt setting on the multimeter, and then connect the device to the battery terminals. The multimeter will show your car battery’s resting voltage, which should be between 12.2 and 12.6 volts. If it’s lower than 12.2, your battery needs to be recharged or possibly replaced.
When To Replace Your Car Battery
A car battery should typically last four or five years before requiring a replacement, but many factors can affect its lifespan. Something could damage the battery at any point, requiring a complete replacement. If the battery is damaged and no longer functioning properly or just doesn’t have any life left in it, it’s time to replace it.
Preventative Measures To Extend Your Battery’s Lifespan
There are steps you can take to make your car battery last longer, such as:
- Driving regularly or using a battery maintainer if you don’t drive the vehicle often
- Annually testing the battery to check for issues
- Keeping the battery terminals tightly fastened and clean
- Disconnecting any electrical accessories not in use, such as chargers
By taking care, you may get a little more life out of your battery.
How To Safely Replace Your Car Battery
When it’s time to replace your battery, you can do it yourself or take your vehicle in for service. To replace the battery yourself, follow these steps:
- Switch off the car and make sure the engine is cool. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from battery acid splashes.
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the old battery and then the positive terminal. Loosen any clamps holding the battery in place and then remove it.
- Clean the battery terminals with a wire brush.
- Install the new battery and reinstall the clamps to hold it in place.
- Connect the positive terminal, then the negative terminal, and make sure everything is in place.
Recycle your old car battery at a local auto part shop or recycling center when you're done.
Protect Your Vehicle and Your Wallet With the Right Car Insurance
Car maintenance such as battery replacement can be expensive. Carrying the right insurance for car repairs can help. But how do you find the right plan? By comparing your options.
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