When you go to start your car, you expect and trust that’s going to happen. But if your car’s battery is on its way out, that might not be the result you get. Miller Auto Care wants you to know the signs of possible battery trouble so that you don’t get caught stranded with no battery.
Your Lights Aren’t So Bright
When you turn on your lights, are they dimmer than they usually are? That might be an early indication that the battery just can’t keep up with powering the accessories. This might be something that happens so gradually you don’t notice it until it becomes much more pronounced.
You Can Smell the Battery
Ordinarily, you probably don’t go around sniffing your battery. And if you’re smelling rotten eggs, the problem is either your catalytic converter or your battery. Look for other signs that your battery is the problem if you’re smelling sulfur.
The Battery Doesn’t Look Right
It’s a good idea to visually inspect your battery at least once a month. You’re already under the hood to check your oil, right? So, while you’re there, peek at the battery. Ideally, your battery posts have no corrosion, or white powder, on them and the battery itself is still sealed and squared up. If you’re noticing bulging in the battery case or cracks, that’s a problem.
Your Battery Is Getting Old
How old is your battery? Most people don’t really know how old their battery is, but there are some ways to guess fairly accurately. Check the top of the battery for a date sticker. Failing that, if your car was bought new, the battery is bound to be as old as your car is. Otherwise, you might have to simply test the battery.
There’s a Warning Light
The next sign that you’ve got something going on with the battery or possibly the alternator is that you’ve got a dashboard warning light for your battery or alternator. That’s a sign that confirms anything else you might have been seeing. Ignore that light at your peril, because very soon afterward the car may not start at all.
Here at Miller Auto Care in Medford, OR we can help you with all your car’s electrical needs, including the battery. If you suspect that your car’s battery is failing, give us a call. We can test the battery and other parts of the electrical system to make sure we address the underlying problem completely.