Summer has arrived along with its hot temperatures. Unfortunately, the summer heat can adversely impact your car battery, shortening its lifespan. In fact, excessive heat causes the fluid in the battery to evaporate, weakening the battery’s charge and leading to corrosion on the plates. Eventually, your battery will die altogether.
So what are the symptoms of a bad car battery? There are several warning signs that it’s time for a car battery replacement:
- Slow engine crank. Most common is a car that is hard to start or won’t start at all.
- Clicking sound. If the engine doesn’t start and you hear a rapid clicking sound when turning the key, the charge in the battery is too low to crank the engine.
- Dim headlights. There isn’t enough power to operate the headlights.
- Electrical problems. The electronic accessories, such as power seats, power windows, radio, dashboard lights, headlights, windshield wipers, and more, are not working properly.
- Dashboard warning light. A dashboard warning light (in the shape of a car battery) is an indicator of a bad battery, or possibly that there is a problem with the alternator or another part of the electrical system.
- Swollen battery case. Constant exposure to extreme temperatures can cause the sides of the battery case to swell up (especially freezing and thawing).
- Old battery. A car battery can usually last from four to five years, depending mainly on your driving habits and exposure to extreme temperatures. Has your battery tested fairly frequently, especially if it is reaching that four-year mark?
- Loose battery terminals. Loose battery terminals may cause the battery to act as if it dying. Tightening the terminals should take care of the problem.
- A light was left on. The light may have been left on for an extended period of time. A simple recharge may be all that is needed to restore your battery.
Tip to Remember: Most auto shops offer a free battery test and systems check. Let a certified technician take care of your battery!
Wondering what are the symptoms of a bad car battery? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.
Summer has arrived along with its hot temperatures. Unfortunately, the summer heat can adversely impact your car battery, shortening its lifespan. In fact, excessive heat causes the fluid in the battery to evaporate, weakening the battery’s charge and leading to corrosion on the plates. Eventually, your battery will die altogether.
So what are the symptoms of a bad car battery? There are several warning signs that it’s time for a car battery replacement:
- Slow engine crank. Most common is a car that is hard to start or won’t start at all.
- Clicking sound. If the engine doesn’t start and you hear a rapid clicking sound when turning the key, the charge in the battery is too low to crank the engine.
- Dim headlights. There isn’t enough power to operate the headlights.
- Electrical problems. The electronic accessories, such as power seats, power windows, radio, dashboard lights, headlights, windshield wipers, and more, are not working properly.
- Dashboard warning light. A dashboard warning light (in the shape of a car battery) is an indicator of a bad battery, or possibly that there is a problem with the alternator or another part of the electrical system.
- Swollen battery case. Constant exposure to extreme temperatures can cause the sides of the battery case to swell up (especially freezing and thawing).
- Old battery. A car battery can usually last from four to five years, depending mainly on your driving habits and exposure to extreme temperatures. Has your battery tested fairly frequently, especially if it is reaching that four-year mark?
- Loose battery terminals. Loose battery terminals may cause the battery to act as if it dying. Tightening the terminals should take care of the problem.
- A light was left on. The light may have been left on for an extended period of time. A simple recharge may be all that is needed to restore your battery.
Tip to Remember: Most auto shops offer a free battery test and systems check. Let a certified technician take care of your battery!
Wondering what are the symptoms of a bad car battery? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.
