We’ve all been there once or twice in our driving lives, you flip the keys in the ignition and nothing happens! Your battery is completely dead.
But there are often early warning signs that you have a bad car battery. Knowing what these signs are will help minimize the chances of an unwanted breakdown.
But what are the signs of a dead car battery?
Here’s how to tell if your car battery is bad.
If Your Car Is Slow to Start
This is one of the classic signs that you have a problem with your battery. The car does start eventually, but it takes its time and makes some whirring sounds beforehand.
If your car is doing this, it’s a sure-fire indication that you need to get your battery tested.
If Your Car Cranks Or Clicks But Just Won’t Start
If you hear a long crank or even just a click from under your hood whenever you turn the key in the ignition, this is one step on from a slow start. If the battery is your problem, you should be able to jump-start the car and get on the road.
If you only hear a click when turning the ignition, your starter may be failing. If best jump starter starting doesn’t help you, get your starter looked at.
If the Dash Lights Work But the Car Won’t Start
If this happens, your car battery has enough energy in it to power your dashboard lights, but not enough to start the car.
If this is the case, jump-start your car. This problem could also be caused by a faulty starter.
If You Have Heavy Corrosion Around Your Battery
When you’re having problems with a dead car battery, your natural instinct should be to pop the hood and have a look inside.
If you look at your car battery and notice that it has a considerable amount of corrosion around its terminals, then it’s a sign that it’s time to change it.
This corrosion is likely to be blue and fluffy. While you can probably clean up the corrosion, the problem is likely to return unless you change your battery.
If You Frequently Require Jump Starts
If you require jump-starts often, it could be a bad car battery vs an alternator. Your alternator is there to recharge your battery, so if that’s not doing its job properly, your battery won’t get charged.
Before you shell out for a new alternator, check the battery. If some of the cells are dead, it won’t hold the full capacity needed to run your vehicle.
Before rushing off to buy a new car battery, check out 7 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Car Battery Supplier.
How to Tell if Your Car Battery Is Bad
Knowing how to tell if your car battery is bad will help you address the problem in the correct manner. By following the tips in this article, you should be able to tell whether your problem is with your battery, or whether it is with the starter or alternator.
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