Most car batteries last a little over three years. Some can last even longer if they are well cared for and remain in good condition. So how can you tell if you need a new battery? In addition to physically inspecting your battery for signs of corrosion and swelling, you can monitor the health of your battery by listening to your car when you try to start it. Following are three telltale signs that you need to replace your car battery.
Slow Turnover
When everything is working as it should, your car should start fairly quickly after you turn the key. If your car continues to turnover without starting, you may have an issue with your battery. This is especially true if your car seems to be turning over slowly. If you continue to try to start your car, the turnover will continue to slow down due to the fact that your battery is being drained of all power. Eventually, your car won't turn over at all.
No Crank
If your car does absolutely nothing when you turn the key or if it merely clicks, your battery is probably bad. Not only will your car refuse to turn over with a bad battery, you might not have any headlights or dashboard lights. In fact, it's not uncommon to have no power at all. While other things can cause complete lack of power, such as a loose battery cable connection, you should have your battery tested to rule out issues with it. This is especially true if your car starts easily after you hook it up to jumper cables.
Unreliable Start
If your car starts one day and refuses to start the next, you should have your battery and your battery cables inspected. If your car seems dead and then starts suddenly, you likely have a loose connection. If your battery doesn't want to start in cold weather, however, it likely doesn't have enough power to cold start your car, which is a sure sign that you need to replace your battery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, have your battery inspected immediately. You can do so by visiting your mechanic or by stopping at an auto parts store that offers free battery services. You may also wish to have your battery inspected each year by a professional mechanic, like those at Schwabe's Automotive Center, before the weather turns cold. Doing so will prevent you from becoming stranded.
Share29 July 2015
Are you uncomfortable in your car on hot summer days? Do you feel the heat of the sun as you sit in traffic? Does the bright light of the sun make it difficult for you to see during the day? Are you on medications or do you have disabilities or illnesses that cause you to be sensitive to the sun? If any of these things cause you problems, it is time to consider getting the windows in your car tinted. To learn about the different options you have when it comes to window tinting, visit my website. There you will learn everything you need to know about having your windows tinted.