If your car is facing ignition issues, possibly there’s something wrong with the battery. It is the battery that starts the car and powers other critical electrical components. From headlights to power windows, several components will fail to function if the battery isn’t working optimally. On average, a car battery can last for three to five years. However, factors like temperature variations or poor driving habits could ruin your car’s battery sooner. As the lifeblood of your vehicle, keeping the battery in good shape is crucial. A malfunctioning or dead battery could prevent your car from starting. Without a functional battery, your car will refuse to turn on and other electrical parts will also fail to operate.
It is the battery that does all the heavy lifting for turning on the engine. The best way to know when it’s time to replace the battery is to remember the 3–4-year rule. You should also schedule periodic maintenance services to get the battery checked by a trained mechanic. However, besides these options, you can also keep an eye on some common signs of a failing battery. There are a few telltale signs that signal it’s time to get a new car battery.
Trouble in Starting the Car
If you experience trouble turning over the engine, get the battery checked. When a car takes too long to start, it’s a clear-cut sign that your battery is faulty or dying. When the battery wears out, its internal components wear out. This results in taking longer to receive a charge from the alternator. It is not the best idea to wait for your battery to completely die before thinking about replacing it. Delaying replacement could make you get stranded on a lonely road with a non-starting engine. So, if you notice a slow start when turning the engine over, it’s probably because your battery is dying and needs to be replaced.
Lighting Issues
Car battery powers all electrical parts including lights. When the battery gets weak, the headlight will become dull or dimmer than usual. A failing battery doesn’t have enough power to function with multiple electrical components. Headlights and interior lights become dull when the battery loses power. You may also notice the warning lights on your dashboard turned on when the battery isn’t working at full capacity.
Electrical Malfunctions
Besides light, other electrical parts may also fail to perform optimally. A weak battery causes many issues such as failure to operate power windows or door locks. When electrical parts of your car become less responsive than normal, you should get the battery checked. If you use electrical features more frequently, then your car’s battery is going to get drained sooner. A poor battery also fails to perform in cold weather.
Strange Odor
A sign of a failing battery that many drivers avoid is a strange odor. An odd smell often indicates something is wrong. An odd smell may also indicate other issues. An odor similar to rotten eggs usually means that the battery is leaking gas. When the battery gets damaged, it starts leaking sulfuric acid which can also damage other parts of your car.