Your car’s battery is crucial for getting your car started. If the battery is failing, it’s important to know what to look for so you can do something about it. Here’s what Fountain City Auto Clinic wants you to know so that you can be prepared when battery trouble strikes.
The Battery Case Looks Bad
How the battery looks can tell you more than you might expect about the battery’s health. If you’re seeing the sides bulging or cracks in the case, that can be a sign that the battery is not in good shape. Some other signs of trouble include powdery residue on the battery posts, also called corrosion.
There’s a Bad Smell Around the Battery
Are you smelling something like rotten eggs? If you are and you’re experiencing some of the other problems on this list, too, there’s likely a problem with your car’s battery. You might want to look again for corrosion on the posts or cracks in the case if you’ve got a bad smell, just to double-check the source of the smell.
Your Car’s Lights Are Dim
When your battery is failing, it doesn’t have what it needs to power everything. That can start to affect the alternator, too, meaning that there’s literally not enough power to go around. You might notice this most obviously at night when you’re using your headlights or the interior lights in your car. If they’re dimmer than usual, get your battery checked.
You’ve Got a Warning Light for Battery or Alternator Issues
Be on the lookout for any dashboard warning lights, because those always mean you need to take a closer look at something for your car. In the case of the battery, you might see an ALT, GEN, or BAT light. Or you might see a light shaped like a battery. Any of these mean that there’s trouble somewhere in the electrical system.
The Battery Is Old
Car batteries do have a lifespan, and if your car battery is old that could lead to trouble. One place to look if you’re not sure how old your car’s battery is might be on the top of the battery itself. There’s sometimes a sticker that shows the date the battery was manufactured. If you’ve never changed the battery and bought your car new, that’s how old your battery is.
Fountain City Auto Clinic in Knoxville, TN can help you with all of your battery needs. Contact us today and we can test your battery and the rest of your electrical system for you.