If your car is not starting or taking a long time to start, there may be something wrong with your battery. Car batteries tend to fail after a certain amount of time, and it’s important to be able to identify the signs so you can get them fixed before you’re left stranded on the side of the road.
This post will discuss the most common symptoms of a bad car battery, so keep reading.
You Have an Old Battery
The number one sign of a bad car battery is that it’s old. If your battery is more than three years old, then you should start to worry about its health. An old battery won’t hold a charge as well as a new one, so you may find yourself struggling to start your car on cold days.
If you’re not sure how old your battery is, you can check the manufacturing date. The date will be stamped on the top of the battery in a YYYY format (e.g., 2016). If you have an old battery, it’s time to replace it. A new battery will give your car a boost and improve your gas mileage.
When choosing a new battery, ensure to get one that’s the right size for your car. Batteries come in different sizes, so selecting the right one is important. You don’t want to buy a battery that’s too small or too big for your car.
Battery Terminals are Corroded
Another sign of a bad battery is corrosion on the terminals. If you see any white build-up on the terminals, you should clean them off and inspect the battery for any other signs of damage.
If the terminals are corroded, it’s likely that the battery is also damaged and needs to be replaced. Corrosion can cause a lot of damage to a battery, so it’s important to address it as soon as possible.
Low Battery Charge
One of the most telltale signs that your battery is on its way out is a low battery charge. The best way to examine this is to pop the hood and look at the battery itself. If it’s visibly swollen or if the fluid inside is murky, that’s a sign that the battery is reaching the end of its life.
Bulky Battery
If your battery is swollen, taking up more space than it used to, that’s another sign that it might be failing. Batteries tend to expand as they age, so if you notice a significant change in the size of your battery, that could be a sign that it’s time for a replacement.
Dim Headlights
If your headlights are looking a bit dimmer than usual, that could indicate that your battery is weak. This is because the battery powers all of the electrical components in your car, including the headlights. So if the battery isn’t providing enough power, you’ll notice a significant drop in brightness.
If you notice any of these signs in your car, it’s possible that the battery is failing and needs to be replaced.
Schedule an appointment for battery testing and replacement with our dealership service center at Brownsville Toyota, serving Brownsville, TX, so that we can examine its condition.
Our certified car technicians would love to help you get back on the road without further delay!
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