Signs Your Car’s Battery is Dead

One of the inevitable things of owning a car is that the battery will eventually need to be replaced. It does not matter if you have a Duralast battery or a generic brand one, they all have a limited lifespan, no matter what you do to preserve the battery. What most drivers want to avoid is having the car not start and being stuck somewhere. The good news is that there are certain signs that indicate when the battery is losing charge, so you can replace it before it completely dies.

Slow Cranking of the Engine

Turning on the ignition is often one of the first indicators of a failing battery. If it takes a while for it to start up or you have to pump the gas pedal to get it to start, this is a classic sign of a dying battery. It should be replaced as soon as possible.

Failing Electrical Components

The auto battery has numerous purposes besides just keeping the car running. Most cars use the power from the battery to charge many electrical components such as power seats, the radio, dash lights, and power windows. If any of these have stopped working, are flickering off and on, or are otherwise acting strange, it is worth checking to see if the battery is the culprit.

Funny Smell

Auto news at miramarspeedcircuit will tell you another common sign of a dying battery is a funny smell. As it wears down, some of the acid and water begin to evaporate. Because it is sulfuric acid, many people describe the smell as rotten eggs. In severe cases, the battery may begin to smoke, which is an obvious sign that something is wrong.

Dimming Headlights

If you are driving at night, and it does not seem as if your headlights are as bright as usual, it may be due to the battery. It may also be because the headlights are dirty, but if you clean them off and they are still dim, you should check the battery.

Clicking Sound

If the car will not start at all and there is a clicking sound, it is almost always due to a dead battery.

Bloated Battery 

If you notice that your battery is swollen, this is a serious problem. This issue can lead to an explosion, so it is imperative not to start the car and to replace the battery right away.

Battery’s Age

The average lifespan of a car battery is five years. Even if you are not noticing any other issues, it is a good idea to get the battery checked every three years or so. The good news is that there are numerous places that offer free battery testing, which makes it quick and easy. Knowing that the battery has enough juice helps give you peace of mind while on the road.

Pay Attention to Your Car

If you want your car to last as long as possible, performing regular maintenance is important. Having a fully charged battery also keeps you safe and prevents you from being stranded somewhere. Pay attention to subtle and obvious changes that may indicate your battery is dying.