One of the first signs that you need a new car battery is the battery’s age. Your car battery has a sticker on it with four numbers. These numbers represent the month and year that the battery was manufactured. If your battery is three to four years old, it is likely to go bad sooner rather than later. Mike’s Auto Service & Repair can replace your battery when it needs it. Here are signs that it does.
1. Illuminated Battery Light
The battery light on your dashboard may illuminate if the battery is going bad. This light is usually in the shape of a battery. If the light comes on and stays on when you start your automobile, you have an electrical problem that could be traced back to the battery or the alternator.
2. Hard Starts or No Starts
Naturally, if the battery is no longer able to hold a charge, it will be difficult to start your vehicle. In fact, you may end up with a dead engine if the battery has died. Even if you jump-start the battery, an older battery may not be able to retain the charge anymore and your engine will die again.
3. Strange Pre-Ignition Noises
Sometimes, you might hear strange pre-ignition noises if the battery is going bad. This is more common with a faulty starter, but you may hear a clicking sound before your vehicle fires up if the battery is bad. You may also hear a continual cranking sound if the battery is not producing enough power.
4. Dim or Flickering Headlights
You might be able to tell that your battery needs to be replaced when you are driving at night. In most cases, a faulty battery will produce dim or flickering headlights that make it difficult to see the road ahead. It’s important to have your battery replaced as soon as possible to avoid getting stranded.
5. Corroded Battery Terminals
A dying battery will also leak battery acid all over the battery terminals. Consequently, this acid will corrode the terminals with a white or blue powdery substance. You can clean the terminals, but if they get dirty again right away, it’s time to replace the battery.
6. Frequent Jump-Starts
If you have had to jump-start your automobile frequently, it’s definitely time to replace the battery. This is an indication that the battery is too old and is no longer holding the charge it gets from the alternator.
7. Sulfuric Acid Odors
Finally, if your battery is leaking battery acid, you will smell rotten eggs around the battery. This is the odor of sulfuric acid, the type of acid found in vehicle batteries.
Call Mike’s Auto Service & Repair in West Springfield, MA, to schedule an appointment for a battery replacement if your vehicle is having any of the problems listed above.
