How to Tell if Your Vehicle Battery Is Almost Dead

With the temperatures dropping, you may be worried about whether your car will start. No one wants to turn the key and wonder, “Is my battery almost dead?”

Like everything else, your battery does have a lifespan. When it goes, you’ll be in for an unexpected cost and plenty of inconvenience. If you want to know how to tell if your battery is dead or almost dead, then read on.

Slow engine crank

This is one of the leading signs that your battery is dying. The engine takes amperage from the battery every time the car is started. When the battery is close to dead, your engine will be slow to crank. If you notice this, bring the car to a stop as quickly as you can. If you don’t, you’ll likely be in a situation where the car dies on you.

Zero signs of life

You go out to your car in the morning, and when you try to start it, you get absolutely nothing. This is a strong indicator that the battery is the problem. The battery is responsible for all the electrical components in the car—the lights, the sound system, etc. When you get nothing, the battery is the first thing to look at. The alternator could also be involved in this case.

Dim headlights

The headlights dim when the power they need isn’t being delivered. If your headlights aren’t as bright as they were previously, then it’s a smart idea to have your battery checked.

Battery age

Batteries typically last about four or five years. This depends on a number of factors, including exposure to extreme temperatures and your driving habits. That said, once it reaches the four-year mark, it’s a good idea to have it checked to see how much life it has left in it. If you don’t know how old the battery is, you can check the manufacture date, which should be on the case.

Swollen battery size

In cases where the battery is fat or swollen, you could be looking at replacement. If you pop the hood and the battery appears to be straining, then it’s a problem. Likely, the alternator’s voltage regulator isn’t working properly, meaning that the battery has been overcharged. The damage done to the battery cannot be reversed, and you may need a new alternator as well.

Check engine light is on

While you might think this is solely for engine problems, this light could also be related to your battery malfunctioning. Luckily, replacing a battery is a cheaper fix than dealing with engine problems.

Are you looking for a new battery for your car or truck? The last thing you want is to be stranded on the road this winter. The team at AMR Auto Repair & Towing has been serving drivers for more than two decades. We want to be the first and only call you make when your car breaks down. That’s why we’re here providing emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Give us a call right now for fast, reliable service.

Categorised in: Auto Maintenance

This post was written by Writer