The Anatomy of Healthy Cars: A Service and Repair Blog

Telltale Signs That Your Car Battery Is Nearly Dying

by Brittany Marshall

Car batteries are literally the lifeblood of any vehicle. Other than helping you start the engine every time you want to drive the car, it also acts as a source of power for all the electrical components, including the air conditioning, radio, and lighting system. As such, you cannot afford to have a battery that isn't fully functional.

How can you know that your car battery is about to die so you can avoid being frustrated because the car won't start? There are a number of warning signs a vehicle conveys if the battery is about to die. Knowing these signs will help you make the necessary plans to replace your car battery before it dies. Some of these signs are outlined below.

Slow Crank

One of the popular signs you will notice if your car battery is dying is a slow crank. If you hear the vehicle cranking when you try to start it, consider contacting your mechanic to check it out. Usually, the engine is supposed to draw amperage from the battery to start, so if the battery is dying, the vehicle will have a slow crank. Even if you manage to start the car eventually, make plans to get another car battery to avoid this problem. The last thing you want is to experience this issue in the middle of nowhere during the after-hours.

Blurry Headlights

As mentioned above, your vehicle's lighting system relies on the battery to function effectively. However, if the battery fails, it will be impossible to fully power the electrical system, including the headlights you require to drive safely at night. Things will even get worse if you need to use your air conditioning system. Therefore, keep an eye on your headlights. If you notice that they appear dimmer and can't see what is on the road, you should consider asking an expert to examine your battery. The chances are that you'll be asked to buy a new one.

Old battery

Car batteries usually have an expected lifespan. In ideal conditions, a battery can last up to five years. This duration is determined by various factors like your electrical demands, driving habits and weather conditions. So, if you have used the battery for about two years, it's crucial to get an expert to test its performance before it hits the third year mark. Once you get the report, you'll determine if you can continue using it or if it's time to replace it.

For more information, reach out to a local car service.

Share