The battery is the soul of your car. This is because it is needed not just for the engine to start, but for all the electrical components of your car to come alive. Remove the battery of your car and the vehicle would be stranded and would probably end up getting towed if you cannot get a replacement on the spot.
Because of the multiple roles the battery plays, it is important for it to be properly taken care of so that it can continue doing the heavy lifting of taking your car from one destination to the other. Meanwhile, here are seven signs that the time might have come for you to change your car battery:
A Slow-Starting Engine
A slow start is usually the last spasm of a dying battery. As time passes, the composition of your battery will begin to wear out; leading to a reduction in its powering ability. When this happens, your battery begins to take longer time to create a charge for the starter, which means you have to wait some extra seconds for the engine to turn over. This is a sign that you need to replace it.
Swelling, Bloating Battery Case
A bloated battery casing can be caused by excessive heat. This could lead to a reduction in the lifespan of the battery. When this happens, you need to replace the car battery as soon as you possibly can.
Extremely Foul Smell
Two things can basically lead to a foul smell coming out of your battery. Damage to the battery or an internal short can lead to the battery emitting gas. If you perceive odours similar to rotten eggs when you open the hood of the car, a leaking battery could just be the cause. Get the battery checked immediately and replace it if the battery is in bad condition.
Corroded Connectors
Signs of corroded connectors include a white, ashy substance on the metal parts of your battery. Corroded terminals, which house the positive and negative metal connections on the top of your battery can lead to voltage issues and impede your car from starting.
Check Engine Light Comes On
This is a sign that can carry a variety of meanings in different vehicles. It may come on when your car battery is becoming weak and ineffective. In cases like this, it helps to go through your manual and call your mechanic to have a look at the battery. If he decides that the battery is not working up to its full capacity, then it is time to replace it.
Old Battery
A car battery typically lasts between 3-5 years. A host of factors play a role in the longevity of its life span: climatic factors, electronics use in the car, and driving habits.
To avoid any disappointment, it is best to change your battery once it clocks the three-year mark. This will take away any unpleasant surprises while driving on the road.
Low Battery Fluid Level
The battery fluid is an important component of the battery. Batteries have transparent casing so that you can monitor the fluid levels. If the fluid level shrinks below the lead plates-energy conductor, then you should have the battery and charging system tested.
Final Thoughts on When to Change Your Car Battery
Taking any of these steps to manage your battery’s condition and lifespan will ensure that you don’t experience peculiar disappointments and embarrassing vehicle breakdown that comes with a bad battery on the highway.
To protect yourself and your car, ensure you submit your car for regular car maintenance checks.
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