With a typical lifespan of about three to five years, most car batteries need to be replaced relatively frequently. Drivers should always keep an eye out for the following signs of batteries going bad. Whenever you need it, you can have a new car battery promptly installed at your local Ford dealership.
Difficulties Starting the Engine
When a car’s engine struggles to start in the morning, the culprit is often the car battery. In most cases, either the battery has failed to recharge properly during the last drive, or it’s too old and can no longer store or conduct electricity efficiently. If it takes ages to start your engine, or you find yourself needing to jump-start your car several times, you may need a new battery.
Faltering Electronic Accessories
If you’re trying to use multiple electronic accessories at once in your car and your battery can’t keep up, it may be time for a new one. When a bad battery stops delivering sufficient voltage, inessential electronics like the stereo and heated seats will usually stop working before the dashboard and headlights finally fail.
Problems Handling Seasonal Changes
Car batteries can be negatively impacted by dramatic changes in temperature. Excessive cold slows the chemical reactions inside the battery, while extreme heat can evaporate the water component of the battery’s internal fluids. Aging batteries tend to suffer severely more from seasonal changes; if you notice this happening, it might be time for a new one.
Misshapen Battery Casing
When batteries age or become damaged, they sometimes warp out of shape. If you notice any warping or cracking in your battery’s casing, have it replaced right away before it starts to leak.
Rotten Egg Smell of Leaking Acid
A sulfury, rotten egg stench in your car might point to a leaking car battery. In this case, the battery casing has cracked and is leaking battery acid, which always spells the end of the road for the battery.
Visible Corrosion on the Terminals
If you inspect your battery and notice corrosion on the upper terminals, then the battery may not be able to deliver electricity as efficiently as before. Seriously corroded terminals usually mean the battery has to go.
Have Your Battery Tested at Your Local Ford Dealership
If you’re in doubt as to the condition of your car battery, you can have it tested at your local dealership. A trusted technician will test the battery’s strength with a multimeter, visually examine the battery’s casing, and provide an estimate of how much longer it’s likely to last.
Have your car’s battery checked or replaced today at Lundeen Bros Ford Annandale. We’re a local full-service dealership delivering excellent vehicles, deals, financing options, and customer service.
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