The lifeline of your entire vehicle is your car battery. In addition to powering the majority of the electrical components within the vehicle it starts the engine. There are a few key signs that are good indications your battery is dying. The “check engine” light coming on is the first sign most people notice. Pay attention to the way your vehicle operates after you get this notice on your dash. To assess the check engine light to reduce further engine failure, it is best to visit your local mechanic. Today, we at Calderon Tow & Auto would like to share a few signs that your vehicle’s battery is dying.
Car Making a Clicking Sound when I Turn the Key
The vehicle will often make a rapid clicking sound, signaling the available power is too low to crank the engine if the engine does not crank at all. Your battery is either almost or completely dead if your car won’t start and all you hear is a clicking noise. To potentially give you the necessary power you need to start your vehicle, you can sometimes a jump start from another vehicle. Start your car and get it to a mechanic ASAP if this is the case.
Electrical Abnormalities & Dim Lights
From your lights to your radio to your dashboard, the battery powers all of the electronics in your vehicle. It will have a harder time running these things at full power if the battery is losing its charge. The faster your battery will the more things you plug into your car while driving.
Car Engine is Slow to Start
The components inside your battery will wear out and become less effective over time. You’ll have to wait longer for the engine to turn over when this happens it takes the battery longer to create a charge for the vehicle’s starter. A sure telltale sign that your battery is dying is a slow starting engine.
Corroded Car Battery Connections
One of the most common causes of a dying battery is corrosion on your battery terminals. The battery’s ability to receive a charge is reduced when corrosion appears as a blue-green powder on the battery terminal. Corroded terminals can lead to voltage problems and trouble starting your vehicle.
Car Battery Smells Like Burning or Rotten Eggs
The battery will be caused to leak gas when damage to the battery or an internal short. A leaking battery may be the issue if you smell a rotten egg scent when checking under the hood. To get checked out ASAP and replace the battery, if necessary, take in your vehicle.
Swollen Car Battery Case
When the battery is exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures, the sides of the battery case can swell. The battery may discharge and freeze in the winter. As well as swelling from excess heat, can cause an “electrically dead” battery from the cold. The battery cannot be recovered and will need to be replaced ASAP when this occurs.
Old Auto Battery
Your battery will gradually lose the ability to hold the same charge over time. You will start to notice signs of lower battery power after a few years or so with use. In addition to catching a dying battery before it causes you real trouble, keep up with regular car maintenance can prolong the life of your battery.
TOWING & ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE IN SAN MATEO, SAN FRANCISCO, DALY CITY & COLMA, CA | GREATER BAY AREA OF CALIFORNIA
If you find your battery died in the Greater San Francisco, CA area, call Calderon Tow & Auto for a jump start, if the vehicle has further issues, our team of experts will provide a tow.
