A car battery is one of those things that you probably don’t think about until it’s too late. That’s because, unlike other parts of your car, a battery usually doesn’t give you any warning signs that it’s on its last legs. One day it’s working fine, and the next day it’s deader than a doornail. That’s why it’s important to know how to tell when you need a new car battery, so you can avoid being stranded on the side of the road. Here are four telltale signs that it’s time to get your battery replaced.
Your Car Takes Longer to Start Than Usual
One of the first signs that your battery is dying is that your car takes longer to start than usual. If you turn the key and nothing happens, or the engine takes a long time to catch, that’s a red flag that your battery might be on its last legs.
You See Corrosion on the Battery Terminals
Another sign that you need a new battery is if you see corrosion on the battery terminals. This white or greenish powder is actually sulfuric acid, and it builds up as the battery discharge cycles. If left unchecked, this corrosion can eventually eat through the cables and prevent electrical current from flowing to the starter motor.
Your Lights Are Flickering or Dimming
If your headlights or interior lights are flickering or dimming, that’s another sign that your battery might be going bad. This happens because batteries lose their ability to hold a charge as they age, which means they can’t provide as much power to your car’s electrical system.
Your Battery Is Over Three Years Old
Even if your car isn’t showing any of the above signs, it’s still a good idea to get the battery replaced if it’s more than three years old. That’s because batteries have a tendency to fail without any warning, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
A dead car battery is never fun, but it happens to all of us at some point. The good news is that there are ways to tell when you need a new one and when it is that time [auto repair shop] has the experts you need to get you back on the road. Call or stop by and see us today!