6 Signs Your Car Battery Needs Replacement ASAP

Not sure if you need a new car battery? Wondering what the signs of a faulty battery are?

If you notice that your car battery isn’t working as well as it should be, then it’s important that you replace it as soon as you can. Driving with a battery that is past its prime can lead to more trouble than it’s worth, so it’s important that you pay attention to the signs.

Fortunately, we’re here for you. In this article, we’ll list the 6 top signs that your car battery needs to be replaced immediately.

1. Your Car’s Check Engine Light is On

One of the top indications that your car needs a new battery is if the check engine light is on. Fortunately, a check engine light is very easy to notice.

A check engine light can be indicative of a variety of issues, but if you notice it, battery issues could be one possibility. Be sure that you’re paying attention to the check engine light and immediately try to find out what the problem is if it’s on.

Especially if you’ve also noticed some of the other signs on this list, seeing a check engine light could mean that it’s time to buy a new car battery.

2. You’re Having Electrical Problems

If you’ve noticed that the lights and other electrical features of your vehicle haven’t been working well recently, it might be because your battery is dying.

The car radio, the computer, lights, and phone chargers all make use of the battery. If these things aren’t functioning properly, it could be one of the first signs that you need to take a closer look at the health of your battery.

Electrical issues such as these don’t show up without a reason, so it may be the case that your battery is not in tiptop shape. Your battery may be losing its charge, and it might need some extra attention soon.

On a related note, it’s important that you determine what the battery reserve capacity is. Knowing this rating can help you determine how long your battery will last and can help you identify issues.

3. You’ve Noticed a Bad Odor

Another possible sign that your battery is in need of replacement is if you’ve started to notice a bad smell in your vehicle. Other than causing discomfort these odors can be indicative of a deeper problem that may be occurring with your vehicle.

If the battery has been damaged in some way it may leak gas and this can lead to an odd smell coming from under your hood. Make sure that you take notice if your vehicle begins to smell like rotten eggs.

If you start noticing these smells in your vehicle, then it’s important that you don’t ignore them. You’ll want to take a closer look at the battery right away and will likely need to make a full replacement. While there could be other reasons for a bad odor in your vehicle, it’s often the result of an old or damaged battery that is causing problems.

4. Your Vehicle’s Engine Has Been Starting Slowly

If your car’s engine has been slow to start recently, it might be because your battery is not working as it should be.

There are several possible causes of an engine taking a while to crank, but it’s likely because your battery will be going out completely soon enough. The battery could be having a hard time creating a charge and may have become tired and worn out over time.

Take notice if you hear a whining sound when you try to start the car and if it takes some time to get started. This may mean that it’s time for you to install a new battery into your vehicle.

5. The Battery Case is Deformed or Cracked

One of the signs that your battery is on its last leg is if you notice that its case looks odd and deformed. Extreme temperatures can lead to the battery case becoming cracked or transformed in some way.

Your battery case shouldn’t be in a distorted shape, and if it is, it could mean that your battery has suffered damage and is no longer functioning as it should. It’s important to take a look at your battery every now and then, and if it doesn’t have its normal rectangular shape, it could be having problems.

You’ll especially want to watch out for a cracked battery if you’re in a climate that gets particularly high or low in temperature during the year.

6. Corrosion is Building Up On Battery Connectors

One of the most common signs that your battery isn’t in great shape is if a lot of corrosion has built on the connectors. The terminals may become corroded over time and your battery may begin to have issues when providing power if this corrosion has built up too much.

Take a close look at the positive and negative connections at the top of your battery. If you notice a gray substance around your battery’s connectors, then it may mean that your current battery has problems. It may be time for you to get a car battery upgrade and to let your old battery go for good.

Determining Whether You Need a New Car Battery

If you’re trying to determine if you need a new car battery, you need to stay aware and keep an eye out for the most common signs. By paying attention to your car battery and taking action when you notice your battery is no longer working properly, you’ll keep your car in the best shape and will prevent more problems from occurring as a result.

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