Journey Auto Repair advises that if the battery light on the dashboard will not turn off, your car’s battery is most likely going bad. This is just one sign that you need a new battery. The battery’s age is another sign. If it is older than three years old, it has reached the end of its lifespan. In addition, if you are having any of the problems listed below, your car’s battery needs to be replaced.
Problems Starting the Engine
If your car, truck, or UV’s engine cranks several times before it fires up, the battery is not retaining all of its charge. The engine should only crank once or twice before it ignites. If you are starting to have difficulties getting your car started, it’s likely that the battery is wearing down. Replacing the battery with a new one will restore your inability to get your vehicle started.
Problems With the Accessories
Another sign that the battery is wearing out is problems with your vehicle’s accessories. For example, if your power seats have slowed down, the battery may not be providing them with enough power. If your vehicle lights are dim, again, the battery may be to blame. Even accessories such as your entertainment system and your USB charging ports can malfunction.
Corrosion on the Terminals
If you suspect that your car battery is going bad, take a moment to inspect it. Look at the terminals closely to make sure they are not corroded. If they are, the battery is leaking acid. You can clean the corrosion off the terminals and the cables using baking soda mixed in water. This being said, you should replace the battery as soon as possible.
Rancid Sulfuric Acid Odors
Even if your battery is not corroded, it could still be leaking acid. If this is the case, you will smell rancid odors around the battery. These odors smell like rotten eggs. This is the odor of sulfuric acid, which is the acid inside your battery.
Bubbling or Warped Case
Finally, if there is no corrosion or strange odors, checked the battery case to make sure it is not bubbling or warped. You should also look at all sides of the case to make sure it is not cracked. If the case is damaged, there is a problem with the chemical reaction inside of the battery. This, too, points to the need for a new battery.
We can help here at Journey Auto Repair in New Hope, MN, so call us today.