The thought of our car dying on us is downright terrifying, especially when we find ourselves far from home or in the middle of nowhere. It is a common fear that we all share, and unfortunately, a common issue as well. Typically, most cars do not give you much of a timeframe, if at all, of when your battery could die, and the hassle of calling AAA or flagging down a stranger to jumpstart your car is unfathomable and anxiety-provoking. It seems like no one these days keeps jumper cables with them, let alone even know how to jumpstart a car! So the best thing you can do is stay vigilant and keep an eye out for these five signs that your car’s battery is coming to the end of its life cycle.
Your Car’s Battery is 3+ Years Old
This may seem obvious, but it is overlooked constantly. The age of your vehicle’s battery is one of the most common, if not the most common reason why your car’s battery is on the verge of death. On average, a battery should last anywhere from three to five years. The actual life will be influenced by a number of factors like your driving habits and the surrounding temperature. To avoid any mishaps, it is important to have your battery’s condition tested annually once it reaches the three year mark. It is quite possible, and likely that your vehicle’s battery will last for more than three years; however, by simply taking the necessary precautions, you can avoid be stranded in the future.
Headlights Are Dim
Another common warning sign that your battery is weakening is dimming headlights. A weak battery simply does not provide ample power for your car’s lights to shine optimally. Typically, this occurs early on, and while this is not an urgent sign to replace your battery right away, you should, at least, have your battery tested at a local auto mechanic shop. The mechanic should be able to give you an estimate on when your vehicle will be needing or replacement. In some cases, your vehicle’s battery may simply need a recharge, a service we offer here at Krietz Auto!
Your Car’s Battery Fluid Level is Low
A simple measure you can take to determine where your car’s battery is in its lifecycle is by examining its fluid level. Not all, but most batteries have an indicator on the top (a small, see-through circle), and a key which explains each color significance. One color signifies a “Good Charge”, another may signify a “Moderate Charge”, and no color signifies a “Poor Charge”. If your car’s battery is showing a “Poor Charge” reading, it is best to get the battery tested and let the mechanic determine when it will be time for a replacement. Sometimes these readings can be inaccurate, and batteries will run long after showing a “Poor Charge” reading; however, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions, and at least get the battery inspected.
Slow Engine Crank
A slow engine crank can be one of the most telling signs that it is time to replace your car’s battery. More simply put, a slow engine crank is when you attempt to start the vehicle, the cranking of the engine seems sluggish and takes longer than normal to start. This occurs because your engine draws amperage from the battery during every start up, and a weak battery will lead to a slow cranking start-up. If you hear your car’s engine cranking slowly or it struggles to start, you should not ignore it. This signals that it is time to take your car in for a check-up, and possibly a new battery.
Car Won’t Start After Extended Periods of Sitting
We are all human, we make mistakes. As perfect as you may think you are, chances are you have left an interior light on in your car. These lights are powered by your car’s battery, and leaving them on overnight can lead to a significant amount of drainage in your car’s battery. In some cases, leaving lights on won’t drain your battery entirely, especially if the battery is relatively new or still holds a decent charge; however, it can in some instances. Unless the battery is ancient and is in need of a replacement, you can recharge the battery through a simple jumpstart. It could always be a wiring issue or a problem with the battery, but more likely than not, you left a light on…
We hope that this post provided you with some useful insight on a few of the most common warning signs that your car’s battery is reaching the end of its life cycle. If any of these warning signs relate to your vehicle, please do not hesitate to give our service team a call at 888-577-3621. At Krietz Auto, our professional, knowledgeable sales team provides honest, top-notch service at financially friendly rates in quick and timely manner. For any and all of your service needs, keep Krietz Auto in mind!
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