A car battery is essential for starting your vehicle, and it also provides power to your accessories when the engine is turned off. Because of this, a dying battery can leave you stranded or make it difficult to open your doors or use your wipers. In order to prevent this from happening, it’s important to know the signs that indicate your battery needs to be replaced. Here are four telltale signs that it’s time to bring your car into [auto repair shop] for service.
Dim Headlights
When you turn on your headlights, they should be bright enough to light up the whole road ahead of you. If they seem dimmer than usual, it could be a sign that your battery is losing power. You may also notice that your dashboard lights are dimmer than normal.
Slow Engine Crank
If it takes longer than normal for your engine to start when you turn the key, it’s probably because your battery doesn’t have enough power to give the starter motor the boost it needs. This problem will only get worse as your battery continues to lose power, so it’s best to get it replaced before you’re left stranded with a dead engine.
Check Engine Light
A lot of different things can cause your check engine light to come on, but one possibility is a failing alternator. The alternator charges the battery while the engine is running, so if it’s not working properly, the battery will eventually lose power and trigger the check engine light. Of course, you should have the alternator checked by a professional before assuming that’s the problem.
Swelling Battery Case
Swelling batteries are dangerous because they can leak acid or even explode, so always replace a swelling battery right away. Swelling is usually caused by overcharging or excessive heat, so if you notice any swelling, take your car to an auto repair shop to have the battery tested and replaced if necessary.
A car battery is essential for keeping your vehicle running, so it’s important to know the signs that indicate it needs to be replaced. If you notice dim headlights, a slow engine crank, or a swollen battery case, bring your car into [auto repair shop] right away for testing and replacement if necessary. By taking care of your car battery, you can avoid being stranded with a dead engine or dealing with other problems down the road.
