Symptoms of car battery going bad
5 unique signs of car battery failure Getting stuck with a dead battery in an unfamiliar place is always an inconvenience, but getting stuck in the middle of winter with a dead battery can be dangerous. Luckily, batteries often give us some warning signs that they’re about to fail, so you can get a spare battery before you get stuck – pay attention to these five bad battery warning signs to avoid getting stuck in the cold!
1. dipped headlights
If the car’s battery fails, it will not be able to fully power the vehicle’s electrical components, including the headlights. If you notice that your headlights look darker and weaker than usual, pay attention! Dimming your lights is not only a safety issue, but also means that your car battery is almost completely discharged.
2. Clicking noises when turning the key
After turning the ignition key, the car battery sends current to an electrical element called the starter valve to make everything work. A defective battery will have difficulty performing this function and the electrical current sent to the starter motor will be weaker. When the starter receives reduced or insufficient power from the battery, the starter often makes a clicking sound that can be heard.
Professional tip: Remember that a quick start can restore the life of a temporarily discharged battery, but this is not a long-term solution. Make sure you understand how to start your vehicle if you get stuck somewhere with a dead battery, but don’t think about relying on it too long!
3. free crank
Drivers adapt to the normal sounds of their vehicles. If, when turning the key, you notice that the engine is turning slower or more slowly than normal, the battery may soon run out. Don’t ignore this red flag!
4. Press the accelerator pedal to start
You didn’t have to refuel to start the car. If you find out that the car only starts when you step on the gas pedal, you might have a defective battery.
5. Counterattack
This is a warning sign that cannot be ignored! A damaged car battery can cause intermittent sparks. These intermittent sparks can cause fuel to accumulate in the cylinders. If this accumulation of fuel ignites, it will ignite suddenly and with greater force, making your car counterproductive. Note that misfire can be a symptom of several different problems, so a battery test is crucial.
If for some reason you can’t take your car for a battery test, there are a few things you can do in the meantime to avoid a completely discharged battery. A practical tip: clean your batteries! Cleaning the corrosion around the battery poles can help restore the connection until you can test and/or replace the battery.
An empty battery may not seem like an urgent safety issue, but it is completely discharged. If you notice any of the above signs, get a new battery before it’s too late. For a free battery test, stop by your local Tires Plus office and check how much time you have left and buy a replacement battery if necessary.