Your car’s battery will last three to four years on average. After this time, J&S Auto Repair advises it will be time to replace the battery. Your vehicle may give you signs that the battery is going dead before it dies completely. The sooner you replace the battery after these signs the better. This helps to prevent you from getting stranded with a dead battery. Let’s talk about the signs of a dying car battery below.
Corroded Cables/Terminals
Inspect your battery regularly to make sure that the cables and battery terminals are not corroded. Corrosion is a sign that the battery is leaking battery acid. A leaking battery needs to be replaced as soon as possible to avoid damage to the battery cables.
Rancid Battery Odors
Another sign that your battery is leaking is rancid odors surrounding the battery. Specifically, a battery will leak sulfuric acid and this acid smells like rotten eggs. If you pop the hood and smell rotten eggs around the battery, it is leaking battery acid.
Difficult Starts/No Starts
Naturally, it will be difficult to start your automobile if the battery is dying. You may have several instances of the engine cranking before it finally starts. If this happens, drive straight to our shop so we can replace the battery before you get stuck with a dead battery.
Illuminated Battery Light
The battery light on your vehicle’s dashboard may also turn on if the battery is going bad. This light is in the shape of a battery. If it turns on when you are trying to start your automobile and does not turn off, it is telling you that the battery has died.
Electrical Problems
You may also have electrical problems if the battery is going bad. The headlights, taillights, and interior lights may be dimmer than normal. If the battery is completely dead, your vehicle may not have any illuminated lights. You may also have problems with your automobile’s electrical accessories, such as the power windows and power seats.
Misshapen Battery Case
Finally, it’s also important to check the battery case while you are inspecting the battery. If it is cracked, misshapen, or bubbling, you need to replace the battery right away. These are signs that there is a problem with the chemical reaction inside the battery.
Call J&S Auto Repair in Warwick, RI, today if you think it’s time to replace your car’s battery. We will test the battery and let you know if it needs to be replaced. If it does, we will do so.
