Does this scenario sound familiar? You’re rushing out the door to work and find that your car won’t start. You think you have a bad car battery, but how do you know for sure? Drivers can save themselves a lot of frustration by being proactive when it’s time for a car battery replacement. Don’t wait until you’re stranded in the driveway!
So how do you know when your car battery needs to be replaced?
- Slow engine crank. Your car may or may not start after several tries.
- Clicking sound. You may just hear a rapid clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition, indicating there isn’t enough power to crank the engine.
- Dim headlights. The headlights aren’t getting the power they need.
- Electrical problems. The electronic accessories may not function properly, such as power seats, power windows, GPS, radio, headlights, windshield wipers, and much more.
- Dashboard warning light. Typically in the shape of a car battery, this warning light could mean the battery is bad, the alternator is dying, or there is a problem in another part of the electrical system.
- Swollen battery case. Constant exposure to extreme temperatures (especially if it freezes and thaws) can cause the battery case to swell up.
- Older than four years. A car battery usually only lasts around four or five years, fluctuating based on exposure to extreme temperatures and your driving habits. Your battery can become unreliable when it gets close to the four-year mark.
- Loose connections. The battery will appear to be dying if the terminals are not properly connected.
- A light was left on. Test your battery. If it is good and there are no other problems, a light may have been left on for an extended period of time. A simple recharge should be all that is needed to restore the charge.
Remember: If you’re experiencing any of the problems above, you may want to replace your car battery so you’re not left stranded in your driveway or a dark parking lot.
Want to know more about how do you know when your car battery needs to be replaced? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
Does this scenario sound familiar? You’re rushing out the door to work and find that your car won’t start. You think you have a bad car battery, but how do you know for sure? Drivers can save themselves a lot of frustration by being proactive when it’s time for a car battery replacement. Don’t wait until you’re stranded in the driveway!
So how do you know when your car battery needs to be replaced?
- Slow engine crank. Your car may or may not start after several tries.
- Clicking sound. You may just hear a rapid clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition, indicating there isn’t enough power to crank the engine.
- Dim headlights. The headlights aren’t getting the power they need.
- Electrical problems. The electronic accessories may not function properly, such as power seats, power windows, GPS, radio, headlights, windshield wipers, and much more.
- Dashboard warning light. Typically in the shape of a car battery, this warning light could mean the battery is bad, the alternator is dying, or there is a problem in another part of the electrical system.
- Swollen battery case. Constant exposure to extreme temperatures (especially if it freezes and thaws) can cause the battery case to swell up.
- Older than four years. A car battery usually only lasts around four or five years, fluctuating based on exposure to extreme temperatures and your driving habits. Your battery can become unreliable when it gets close to the four-year mark.
- Loose connections. The battery will appear to be dying if the terminals are not properly connected.
- A light was left on. Test your battery. If it is good and there are no other problems, a light may have been left on for an extended period of time. A simple recharge should be all that is needed to restore the charge.
Remember: If you’re experiencing any of the problems above, you may want to replace your car battery so you’re not left stranded in your driveway or a dark parking lot.
Want to know more about how do you know when your car battery needs to be replaced? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
