As a car owner, you have probably experienced a dead car battery situation at least once. If this hasn’t happened to you yet, or you suspect you are running on a dead car battery, this is an article for you.
One of the worst things that can happen to any car driver is getting stranded in the middle of nowhere. And what’s worse is getting stranded over something avoidable. A dead car battery can be very inconvenient, especially when you need to go to work, and your car fails.
Fortunately for you, batteries will show a few signs and symptoms before they fail. Understanding and reading these signs can be the difference between solving the problem early and being stranded on the highway.
Signs and Symptoms: You Have a Dead Car Battery.
Rarely will your car stall due to a dead battery without prior warning. If it happens, it’s always due to an internal failure from a bad cell. When this happens, you will likely not have any warning signs, and your car might die prematurely. But for many, when your battery is wearing out, which will happen at some point, you’ll experience the following symptoms.
Headlights Are Dim
A dead battery won’t be able to correctly power your vehicle’s electrical components, including your headlights. If you notice your headlights are getting weaker or dimmer than usual, it is essential to take note. Dim lights will not only reduce your visibility driving down the road, but they’re also a potential sign you might get stranded driving due to a dead battery.
Hard Start
Perhaps the most common sign is that you have a dead battery. If your battery is on its last legs, you will experience a sluggish whirr sound that lasts longer than usual when turning on your car. The moment you notice this sign, have your battery tested.
Corroded Connectors
When you open your hood, you notice some ashy whitish substance on your battery’s metal terminals. This usually means you have a corrosion issue. When this happens, you will often experience voltage issues and trouble starting your car.
The engine makes a clicking sound when the ignition is turned.
It’s a common occurrence. When turning on your car, it only makes a click sound and fails to start. This is a good sign that you have a dead battery that needs replacing. When this happens, your battery is either about to die or dead.
Your car accessories fail to work.
This is yet another potential sign that your car battery is dead. Your battery powers your vehicle accessories, including your stereo, dashboard lights, and windows, especially when the alternator is not working. If you notice your accessories are sluggish or fail to work, your battery might be on its last legs.
You have to press the gas pedal to get your car to start
It’s essential to note that you don’t necessarily need to press the gas pedal to get your vehicle to start. In case you notice that you have to press the gas pedal to start your vehicle, you might have a dead car battery.
Dashboard lights go off when the key is turned.
Just like you need to charge your old phone or laptop constantly, car batteries function the same when they age. Your car will continuously need to be jump-started to drive. You will notice that your dashboard lights will always be on, but you will still fail to start your car. Another critical pointer is if the dashboard lights go off when you turn on your vehicle.
How long does a new car battery last?
When you replace your dead car battery, its lifespan usually depends on how long it can hold a charge. Once you are not able to recharge it, it’s dead. If you drive in ideal conditions that include optimum temperature and low humidity, a new car battery should last six years. A rule of thumb is always to purchase a battery with a warranty. That way, you are guaranteed convenience in terms of time.
The easiest way to check if your car battery is healthy is to use a voltmeter. If you can’t access this gadget and you are experiencing all of the above symptoms, visit your local battery service for a full diagnosis.
