5 Signs Your Battery is On the Way Out

Your vehicle’s battery is what supplies the spark to ignite the engine and power you down the road. Many drivers have experienced a time when their battery wouldn’t turn over after sputtering or won’t even make a sound. A dead battery can leave you stranded or searching for someone with jumper cables to help you. Here are five signs your battery is on the way out, so you can replace it before it’s too late.

1. Seasonal Challenges

In the summer months, the heat can evaporate the water in your battery’s internal fluids, causing your battery to spit and sputter when you try to turn it over. This evaporation can cause damage to your battery through corrosion. The chemicals in your vehicle’s battery slow down in winter, which will mean that your vehicle will require more power to get the engine oil moving. A battery nearing the end may struggle with turning your engine over in winter because it cannot run the oil.

2. Slow Start

The components of your vehicle’s battery will wear out over time, much like any other part of your vehicle. When your battery starts to go, it takes longer for your battery to create the charge that ignites the starter and turns over your engine. If you notice that your vehicle is taking longer to start, you’ll want to consider changing your battery. A slow start is a sure sign of a dying battery.

3. Dim Lights

Your vehicle’s battery supplies the power to every electronic component, from your dashboard lights to your driver information display to your radio. If your battery struggles to hold a good charge, you may notice your electronics having a harder time functioning or running at a lower power. Dim lights on your dashboard indicate a battery is on its way out. You’ll also notice that the more electronics you use, such as radio on and phones charging simultaneously, the dimmer your lights become. That’s because you’re draining your vehicle’s battery with overuse that it cannot handle.

4. Check Engine Light

The check engine light on your vehicle is designed to alert you when something isn’t right with your vehicle, including the battery. You may notice that the check engine light comes on as your dashboard lights dim or when coming to a stop. If your check engine light is on, and you suspect the culprit to be your battery, have a trained mechanic test it to see if it’s working at full capacity. If your battery is not working properly, you’ll need to replace it.

5. Bad Smell

An internal short or damage to your vehicle’s battery can cause gas to leak from the battery. When you open the hood, the smell of rotten eggs indicates a bad battery. You’ll want to take it to your local service center to have your battery checked out and replaced.

Anytime you believe your vehicle is struggling, it’s wise to have a trained technician take a look. Today’s vehicles have many components and parts that can fail, which is why routine maintenance is essential. Don’t wait to see if your battery last; get your vehicle inspected today to drive more confidently.