The last thing we want is to be stranded in the middle of the street with a car that won’t start. We turn into a road hazard, we look silly, and it takes forever for the local garage to come and fix our vehicle. It can be an extremely stressful situation and it’s not very pleasant at all. Sadly, many people neglect electrical problems in their vehicles because it’s simply something that doesn’t happen very often. With advances in modern technology and further reliance on computer systems in recent cars, it’s become even more important to ensure that the electrical systems in our cars can run smoothly and efficiently.
But however many safeguards and preventative measures are in place, it doesn’t mean we can’t take battery maintenance into our own hands. If you want to watch for these issues before they pop up at the worst time, here are a few signs that indicate you need a new battery.
Slow engine start
One of the most common signs of battery failure is when your car engine takes a long time to start. Cranking the engine takes a long time and your car can occasionally feel lifeless in the mornings. If this is the case, then consider taking your vehicle to a mechanic that specialises in electronics repair. Not every garage does this, so keep in mind businesses like Autoco Car Service that advertise electronics repair services and not just car body fixes.
Old age
If you’ve had your vehicle for a long time then chances are your battery is probably starting to die out. Much like other types of batteries, it will eventually start to hold less charge and you’ll find yourself needing to charge it on a regular basis compared to before. Not only does the life of the battery decrease, but the chances of it failing increase and it should be an issue that you address roughly every four to five years. If you live in a hot climate, then your battery will have an even lower lifespan. This is more common in older vehicles that are bought used, but try to keep in mind the four to five year rule.
Battery leak
One of the most obvious signs of battery failure will come from the battery itself. If you open up the hood and notice that your battery has nasty gunk around it, then it could indicate that the battery is leaking. The gunk needs to be removed and the battery itself will likely need to be replaced in the future if not as soon as possible. Battery leaks could indicate that the battery itself is swelling up, and this could cause major damage in the future that will take forever to fix or clean up.
Failing lights
If lights in or on your car are starting to fail, then it might be time to completely replace the wiring or fuse. However, the more likely scenario is that your battery is failing which results in dim headlights or flickering lights that don’t really help you while driving at night. If your lights aren’t getting the power they need, it’s possible that your brake lights or indicators won’t show, causing you to become a hazard on the road.
