Did you know that regular vehicle batteries are designed to last around 6 years?
In some cases, car manufacturers offer warranties on the car battery for up to 8 years or 100,000 miles. Thatâs a great thing since battery technology is developing at a rapid pace and a new battery pack costs much less compared to the prices of a few decades ago.
With that being said, itâs common for some batteries to become faulty. Remember that the entire electrical system of your vehicle relies on the battery. If this component doesnât work properly, you might not even be able to start your car.
Luckily, you donât have to be an expert mechanic to diagnose car battery problems. You just have to look out for a couple of signs.
Signs That You Need a New Car Battery
Car battery problems can start for various reasons, including bad weather. It’s paramount to regularly inspect your battery and ensure it’s in good condition. Here are the most common signs of battery failure.
1. The Engine Cranks, But It Doesnât Start Properly
This is one of the most common signs of car battery problems.
You turn the key, the engines seems like itâs trying to start, but it doesnât. Keep in mind that the engine requires electricity from the battery to get things going and pistons moving. If it doesnât get this energy, it might be a battery problem.
For some drivers, the engine doesn’t even crank. Although this might indicate more serious problems with your vehicle, it’s a good idea to inspect the car battery first and find out if it’s in good condition.
2. The Lights Donât Turn On
The lights of your car also rely on the battery for power. In worst case scenarios, not only that the engine doesnât start, but the lights donât even turn on. This is a serious sign of battery failure and you need to address it immediately.
Other electronic devices in your car are powered by the battery. For example, charging your phone, listening to the radio, using the electric mirrors or sunroof, all of these rely on the battery. If none of them work, your battery might be the culprit.
3. Some Days The Car Starts, Other Days It Doesnât
If it looks like your car has âmoodsâ and it starts or fails to start whenever it wants, you might have a problem with the battery.
It’s important to keep in mind that the issue might not rely upon the battery itself, but with the cables and connectors which deliver energy from the battery to other car components. Make sure that you inspect those cables and see if they are corroded, calcified or loose. If this is the case, you might need to replace the battery cables altogether.
Moreover, the cables which connect to the battery posts should have zero play in them, they must be firmly attached. If you see signs of looseness, replacing the cables might solve the problem.
4. You Jump The Battery Often
It is normal to jump your carâs battery once in a while, but if you do it too often, this is a sign that somethingâs wrong with it.
For example, expert mechanics say that if you jump the battery at least 3 times a week, you need a new one. This is one of the most obvious signs you need a new car battery.
5. The Battery Smells Bad
Each vehicle’s battery contains a combination of chemicals which include lead and other heavy metals. When the battery malfunctions, chances are that some of this toxic mixture leaks out of the battery.
If you get into your car and you sense an unpleasant odor similar to rotten eggs, chances are that the battery might be the culprit. Similarly, you might get the same smell when you open the carâs hood. Itâs important not to attempt fixing or cleaning the area with your bare hands since lead from the battery is very toxic.
Just call a professional mechanic or tow your car to the nearest auto repair shop to have it inspected by a professional. In most cases, they will simply replace the battery to avoid more serious problems.
6. The Engine Light Is On
If you look in your dashboard and you see the âcheck engineâ light on then this might signify a lot of issues.
However, in most cases, the battery itself might be the problem. Open up the hood and inspect the battery for visible signs of damage. Are the connectors corroded or loose? Does your battery smell bad?
If the problem persists, you might want to check the car ownerâs manual and have the battery checked to see if it works at full capacity. A professional mechanic might also help you with this, particularly if you donât have the required tools for the job.
7. Your Battery Is Very Old
As mentioned earlier, most batteries are designed to work for about 6-8 hours at most. In some rare cases, certain batteries are guaranteed to last around 10 years.
If your current battery is already 5 years old, it makes sense for it to behave abnormally. In this case, jump-starting the car often and hoping for the best won’t do the trick. You simply need to replace the battery with a new one and have more peace of mind next time you want to take your car for a drive. You can also use this battery equivalent if you want to cross reference your car’s old battery with a brand new one.
Check Your Carâs Battery Today!
Since you already read this article on the car battery, why don’t you go ahead and see if the battery of your vehicle is in good condition? After you have inspected it, post your comments or questions below, so others can also learn from your valuable experience!
