One of the most essential pieces of automotive hardware, car batteries need to be in top shape in order for your car to properly operate. In this blog entry, the automotive roadside assistance experts here at Towing Chicago will explain to you the essential signs of a degraded or dying car battery.
Engine Takes a While to Start
As your battery’s inner components start to wear out, it will take your battery much longer to charge your vehicle starter, and consequently it will take much longer for the engine to turn over. Slow starting car engines is one of the main signals of a dying car battery.
Corrosion on Connectors
Battery terminal connector corrosion is one of the leading causes of dead car batteries. Corrosion usually appears like a bluish greenish powder on the battery’s terminal, preventing the battery from being able to get properly charged. Corroded battery terminals are a leading cause of voltage issues, and vehicle starting trouble. Sometimes, battery corrosion can be cleaned with a toothbrush and some Coca-Cola!
Key Clicking
When engines don’t crank, the car will make a clicking sound to signal low battery. If the car wont start at all, and there’s a clicking sound, your battery is likely nearly dead or fully dead. Sometimes a jump start from another vehicle is all you need to start your vehicle.
Dim Lights
Since your car’s battery powers all of it’s electronics from it’s radio lights to its dashboard lights, batteries with low charge will have a more difficult time to run at full power – and the more electronics plugged in or activated in your vehicle, the faster it’s battery will run out.
Strange Odors
Battery damage or shorting can cause a gas leakage from the battery – usually a rotten egg smell. Any odor like this can signal a leaking battery which needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Swelling Battery Cases
Battery case sides can easily swell up when batteries are exposed to very hot or cold temperatures. During the Winter, batteries can discharge liquid and then freeze up – which can cause the battery to die and require replacement.
Battery Longevity
Over time, your battery will lose the ability to hold the same level of charge. The more a battery is used, the faster it’s power will drain. By regularly maintaining your vehicle, you can prolong your battery’s life, and catch a dying battery before it causes issues.