28 Oct Dim Headlights: Is It Time For A New Car Battery?
Now that autumn has arrived, I’ve noticed that I need to turn my headlights on when I head out to work in the morning and when I drive home in the evening. These shorter days really showed me that my headlight seems dimmer than usual. If this has never happened to you, I’ll let you in on a little secret… dim headlights can indicate that your car battery requires a little battery maintenance to remove corrosion for better performance. It can also mean that your car battery has reached the end of its lifespan and requires replacement. Not sure how to proceed? Keep reading for more helpful tips on battery care.
6 Warning Signs Of A Dying Car Battery
According to AAA, car battery issues are a leading cause of roadside breakdowns. Unfortunately, many motorists don’t perform battery tests or schedule battery maintenance until it’s too late. Without routine checks and service, a dying battery can fail, leaving you stranded. Below are six common warning signs that your car battery may be dying.
Bad Smell Under The Hood
If your car battery smells like rotten eggs, it is a warning sign that it is dying. Usually, a car battery is completely sealed and has no smell. A foul smell suggests a cracked or damaged battery case is leaking electrolyte fluid (which contains sulfuric acid). Leaking battery acid can be dangerous, so schedule a diagnostic or battery service right away.
Clicking Noise
If you hear a rapid, repeated clicking noise when trying to start your car, there’s usually something wrong with the electrical system. The sound could mean a dead battery or a faulty alternator. A single, faint clicking sound can indicate a completely dead battery.
Dashboard Warning Light
Depending on your vehicle, one or more dashboard warning lights may illuminate. The Check Engine light, the Battery icon light, or the ‘GEN’ or ‘ALT’ lights on older model vehicles are common indicators of a charging system issue. If any of these warning lights illuminate on your dashboard, bring your vehicle into your trusted service station as soon as possible to avoid getting stranded in a parking lot with a dead battery.
Dim Headlights
If your vehicle’s headlights start to dim while driving, your alternator may not be providing enough power to keep your car battery charged. This means your car is running on battery power alone, which can deplete and damage your battery beyond repair if left unaddressed for too long.
Excessive Corrosion, Cracks, Or Damage To Battery
Sometimes, your car battery just needs a good cleaning to remove excess corrosion from the terminals. Scheduling a battery service can ensure that a skilled auto technician cleans dirty connections, tightens loose cables and straps, and inspects the battery case for cracks or damage. Routine battery maintenance helps extend your car battery life and spots weakened batteries before they die.
Hard To Start
When your car battery starts to run low, the engine may crank slowly, be hard to start, or not start at all.
Top Causes Of Car Battery Failure
Car batteries are an essential component in all modern vehicles. Even hybrids and EV vehicles use a standard 12-volt battery to initiate the startup sequence before the electronic battery pack engages. It is important to remember that car batteries don’t last forever. Their lifespan varies depending on your vehicle type, where you live, environmental factors (including weather), and how you drive. Let’s delve into a few causes of car battery failure below.
Age
The average car battery lasts between 3-6 years, depending on driving habits, weather conditions, and maintenance intervals. Routine testing is vital for prolonging your vehicle’s battery lifespan, especially after it reaches the three-year mark.
Damaged Components
A faulty alternator, electrical short, or damaged wiring can cause your car battery to fail.
Driving Habits
Long periods of inactivity or frequent short-distance driving can weaken the battery over time.
Electrical Drain
Leaving your vehicle’s headlights on or charging electronic devices (like your cell phone) without the engine running can lead to premature car battery failure.
Poor Battery Maintenance
Allowing corrosion to build up on terminals can reduce car battery efficiency and performance.
Weather
Hot weather can rapidly drain your battery, while colder weather can make it harder to start your engine.
Routine Car Battery Maintenance
Routine car battery maintenance and timely replacement can help keep your vehicle running smoothly. If you’re experiencing a hard-to-start engine, a clicking noise at startup, dim headlights, or battery corrosion, contact Ron’s Garage for an inspection. Our experienced service technicians will test and clean your car battery. If it has discharged, but is still operational, we can recharge it so you can be on your way quickly. On the other hand, if it has reached the end of its lifespan, we will replace it with the correct size and type battery for your vehicle’s needs.
Schedule Battery Testing & Service
Call us at (734) 961-4701 or visit our website to schedule your next car battery testing, service, or replacement.