Signs Your Car Battery Needs to Be Replaced
Its summertime which means your car is feeling the sweltering heat just like you are. Whether you live in Colorado or sunny South Florida, the summer months bring a whole new level of warm and balmy temperatures to the table. And most times, it feels like an oven outside. Yet, this summer is no joke. Beyond the scorching side walks and increased risk for hot car deaths, the seasonal temperature outlook shows a striking resemblance to 2011, which was the hottest summer on record.
Image source: weather.gov
Because the heat affects people in a number of ways, it’s important to stay hydrated and keep yourself protected from the sun’s UV rays. The same goes for your vehicle. When the summer months hit, we start hearing from a handful of drivers about car batteries dying. On all accounts, the heat interferes with your car’s ability to operate. And car batteries just so happen to be the first to go when it’s boiling hot outside.
Luckily, there are a few indicators that inform drivers that a car battery is dying. Whether it be due to the climate or just use over time. Of course, you could always still have the unexpected surprise of your battery losing power. But for the sake of being informed, we’ll detail all the signs you should look out for in the instance your car battery needs to be replaced.
4 signs your car battery is declining
As a car owner, you always want your vehicle in top working condition. However, there are some things that are simply inevitable. A car battery will bite the dust at some point during ownership. On average, your battery should last at least 3 years, but in some cases it could be much longer. It really all depends on use, quality of the battery, and exposure to elements. The sun certainly puts added stress on your car, which can often lead to a list of issues that drivers have to deal with.
Before your car battery conks out, look for these signs that something is wrong:
1. Trouble starting the car
If you push-to-start and your vehicle begins sputtering, that’s usually the easiest indictor that your car battery is on its last leg. Though you might be able to get your car to start the first time this happens, don’t be surprised if the sputtering continues again and again in the following days.
2. Electrical problems
Because your car battery is the essential juice you need to “turn on” your vehicle, it plays an integral role in how every function works. In particular, the electrical controls. When your car battery is on a downward slope, you’ll start to notice simple functions, like door locks or window controls, stop working properly. This is caused by the battery not having enough charge to maintain everything.
3. Lighting malfunctions
Your dashboard is the first thing you see when you sit in the driver seat so its not hard to miss this tell-tale sign. If you turn on your car and notice the dashboard lights start flashing or the engine light switches on, this could indicate that your car battery is weak or dying. Your alternator may not be able to start because of the lack of power.
4. Unusual odor
Whenever you start to notice a distinct smell coming from your vehicle, this is a common sign that something is wrong with your car battery. Most automotive experts refer to the smell as “rotten eggs”, which can worsen over time if you don’t take action. This smell typically comes from a leaking battery that spills sulfuric acid. Due to the dangers of these gases, you’ll want to replace the battery right away.
When should I replace my car battery?
Should your vehicle be showing any of the signs mentioned above, it’s important to take your car to an auto shop right away and get your car battery replaced. Some car owners prefer to do the job themselves, however you’ll want to have the proper equipment on hand and know the safety protocols of recycling your battery before committing to the task. All in all, you’re better off taking the initiative before you end up stuck without transportation one day.
In some cases, you may not be in need of a total replacement, especially when heat exposure is the cause. A vehicle thats left in the sun could lose charge simply by fluke. Several days without driving or extreme summer heat could cause your car battery to need a little boost. Under those circumstances, you’ll want to safely jumpstart your car with the help of another vehicle.
Want to learn more DIY hacks or repair and maintenance tips? Check out the following Headlights.com articles for your automotive questions.
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