When to Fix or Replace Your Car Battery
The battery in your car is the quiet power source that runs the radio, headlights and ignition. But if it starts to break down – a standard drive can become an emergency on the side of the road. Know when a battery is dying to save time, money, and stress. With this guidance, determine if your car’s battery needs repair or replacement.
Your battery is old
Most car batteries last between three and five years. If you have not changed it in a while it is possible that your battery is almost dead. The production date stamped on the battery case can help you determine how old the battery is. You should also use a voltmeter to check the power. The reading on a fully charged battery should be at least 12.6 volts. It might be time for a replacement if it’s much lower than that.
Car starting issues
Having a problem starting your car especially in the morning, is one of the first signs that your battery is dying. If you notice that your car starts more slowly or takes longer than usual your battery may not be able to provide enough power.
Frequent jumpstarts
If you must jumpstart your car more than once in a short time, your battery isn’t charging properly. A jumpstart once in a while might not be a big deal but many of them generally mean there’s a bigger problem like a dead battery that needs replacing.
Slow engine turnover
If your battery is healthy, your car should start up quickly. If your car starts slowly or hesitates and no other mechanical problems are found you should check the battery. A slow engine shift, along with other signs, strongly suggests that the battery has failed.
Bad battery odor
If the hood smells like rotten eggs, the battery may leak sulfuric acid. The acid from a dead battery might damage other parts of your car, creating a fire.
Battery case swelling
The battery case can bulge if it gets too hot or something goes wrong. This is a serious problem that means the internal parts are broken or unstable. The battery needs to be changed right away to avoid safety risks.
Conclusion
Not having sufficient power in your car can be dangerous and costly, not only difficult. Seeing early warning signs like slow starts, needing to be jumpstarted often or internal damage can help you fix the problem before it gets worse. If any of these things happen you should get your battery checked out and, if needed, replaced right away. For expert help, look for auto repair in New Castle, PA to ensure your vehicle stays reliable and safe.
