Learn When is the Best Time to Make a Change to Your Cars Battery Here.
A car’s battery powers many things, including the starter motor, electronic equipment, and all the other components that require a constant electric supply. As such, it plays an integral part in the day-to-day functions of a vehicle. If anything goes wrong with the battery, you won’t be able to start your car, let alone power up anything else.
You must be able to tell if the battery is failing, so you have enough time to replace the old with a new one. Here we will discuss a few symptoms that appear before the battery is about to die.
How do I Know When My Car’s Battery is Dead?
The car’s battery will give off a few signs before dying completely. If you are vigilant and careful, you will be able to catch the signs and go for the necessary solution. The most common ones are listed below:
Dim Headlights
When the battery is at the end of its life, it won't be able to send out the same amount of current to power the electronics. Therefore, the headlights will start to dim, and you will feel the difference when you are driving at night. The dimming will come to a point where it will become extremely difficult to see in front of the car, and the chances of accidents will increase.
It’s also possible that the lights are dimming because the headlights are dirty. In such a case, you should visit an auto detailing shop like Hall of fame detail and get your problems sorted.
The Engine Won’t Start
Usually, when the battery has drained to an extreme point, the starter motor will start to feel the effects. You will try to turn the key but the engine will take too long to start, or it will not start at all. When such a thing happens, you should immediately book an appointment with your trusted mechanic and get your vehicle inspected.
Dashboard Warning Light Illuminates
Nowadays, cars have a warning system that notifies you of any issue inside the car. There is a separate system, which monitors the battery’s performance. If the battery performance is getting affected, and the battery is close to its end, a specific light will illuminate inside the dash. This will force you to act fast and solve the problem.
Electronic Components Malfunctioning
Modern cars are filled with all kinds of sensors, gadgets, and electronics. All of these things extract power straight from the car’s battery. If you find any one of them acting up and not performing ideally, you should get the battery checked by a professional. Any delays will only lead to things getting considerably worse.
Swollen Battery
When a battery is nearing its end, sometimes it starts to swell. You will notice its housing going out of shape and expanding from all sides. That is potentially dangerous and should not be taken lightly. So, whenever you notice something like this happening, you must immediately take your car to buy a new battery.
Old Battery
If nothing else happens, the battery will die due to old age. It usually lasts 4-5 years, after which there is a significant drop in performance. So, if you feel there are some issues related to the battery’s performance, its time might be over.
What Type of Battery Does My Car Need?
Once you have determined the state of your battery and found it to be lacking in performance, you have to move towards the next step. Before you think about buying a new battery, you have to consider which one suits your car the best.
Ideally, you should get the same kind of battery that you had before. In other words, the new battery should have the same specifications as the last one, the same amperage, and size. However, you can opt for a bigger battery to power extra electronic components, like a new sound system.
Moreover, for an SUV, you would need a bigger battery that has a higher cold-crank amp rating. For a sedan, you would need a much lower-performing battery as there are no specific requirements. And for a motorcycle, you will need a very small battery, which can cover the crank and the electronics.
In any case, it is best to consult the vehicle’s user manual. It has all the information related to your car. If you follow the advice on the manual, you will never have any trouble with your vehicle.
Verdict
A car’s failing battery should be changed at the earliest possible convenience. The more you delay the replacement, the more problems will start to arise. And if it is delayed too much, you would be forced to pay more for unwanted repairs. So don’t be complacent and stay vigilant at all times.