With so many innovations shaping up in modern car technology, there are better batteries with longer life duration, but it is still unpredictable when will they die. Check out our comprehensive list of warning signs your car gives you and avoid getting stuck with a dead battery at the most inconvenient time and place.
Phil is a busy corporate professional who drives his car to work everyday. Lately, Phil is experiencing some difficulty in starting his car. The engine was cranking and took a longer time than usual to start. But like most people, Phil was also waiting for a strong warning sign in order to take the car in for repairs. Phil’s carelessness towards the needs of his car meant the car broke down at a most inopportune moment and place. This made it more tedious for Phil to get his car repaired. It also cost him a tow truck fee.
Don’t be like Phil! Don’t ignore the sluggishness of your engine starting and other warning signs in your car.
The battery is an important component of the car, it is not that expensive either. All the electrical systems and actions from getting a car started to running it on the road needs input from the battery. Consider your battery to be the heart of the car, without which, the car just won’t start!
Check out our comprehensive list of warning signs your car gives you and avoid getting stuck with a dead battery at the most inconvenient time and place.
Crank of the Engine : When trying to start the engine, if it takes longer time to start the after cranking, then there is a high possibility that your battery is now weary and it is time for replacement. It is the battery which gives power to other components to start a car, once the car is started the alternator generates electrical energy to keep the engine running. Sometimes the battery might leave you stranded without any warning sign, although there might be some clicking noise when starting up the engine. It is recommended to take your vehicle to your nearby garage as they are the people who can find out where the fault lies.
Electrical Systems: There are many electrical components which need enough supply from the battery. The Battery, starter and an alternator make up the electrical system of the car. Your battery supplies the starter which then rotates the engine. While you drive the alternator keeps the battery charged when the engine is running. You could check the intensity of the headlight beam of your car on the ignition mode. If the light appears to be dim or gets dim while starting then it is time for battery replacement.
Dashboard Warning Light: This is the most easy way to look for a battery fault. If your battery sign on the dashboard does not turn off after few seconds of starting your car, there is a possibility of a battery fault or some fault in the electrical system of the car. Do not avoid these warning lights, visit the nearby auto repair garage and leave the decision to experts.
Pungent Smell: It is commonly reported by the car service stations that, whenever people whiff a strong pungent smell from the battery they tend to clean the terminals of the battery and then put it back there. The stinky smell is because of gases venting out from the battery, which is usually H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide). It is crucial to replace your battery after this event as the acid leaked out could damage other parts of the engine.
Battery Maintenance Tips
- By taking care of the following things you can maintain battery life for a longer duration:
- Switch off AC, radio and other electronic accessory when you are stepping out of the car.
- Battery also drains out when you take many short trips in a day.
- Keep the terminals clean.
- Usually, a car battery lasts for four to five years. It is advised to get your battery checked after this lifespan is over.
- Subjecting the car battery to extreme temperatures, overheating or freezing also leads to battery damage.
With so many innovations shaping up in modern car technology, there are better batteries with longer life duration, but it is still unpredictable when will they die. Therefore, get your battery checked at regular intervals by a licensed vehicle tester.
