Imagine heading out to start your day, and your car won't start. It's frustrating, and a dead car battery is often to blame. While a dead battery can seem to come out of the blue, your car usually gives hints beforehand. It might crank slowly when you try to start it, lights might dim, or electronics might act up.
Being aware of the condition of your car's battery can prevent small issues from turning into big problems. You don't need to know everything about cars to recognize a battery issue. Keeping an eye on how your car behaves and getting it checked regularly can help you catch a dying battery early. That way, you can replace it on your terms, not under the stress of an unexpected breakdown. Here are nine signs that you are almost due for a new car battery.
Engine Cranks Slowly
When your car starts slower than usual, it's a heads-up that your battery might be running out of juice. The battery is key in getting your car going, providing the initial power needed to start the engine. Over time, batteries can wear out, struggling to give that power boost, especially in cold weather which can make things even slower.
Trouble Starting the Engine
If you find yourself needing to make multiple attempts to start your engine, it's not just annoying but also a sign that your battery may not be holding a charge as well as it used to. It's similar to when your phone starts losing battery faster. You might notice that your car takes a few tries or fails to start at all but works perfectly fine the next day.
Dimming Headlights and Electrical Issues
When your car's headlights look more like a flickering candle than a beam of light, or when the dashboard and interior lights seem to be on a dimming spree at idle, these are classic signs of a dead car battery. Catching these signs early can save you from unexpected headaches. It might be time to consider a car battery replacement if you're noticing these issues.
Battery Warning Light is On
If you notice a battery warning light on your dashboard, shaped like a car battery, it means there is an issue with the electrical system, possibly related to the battery. If the light stays on after you start the engine or turns on while driving, it's a clear sign that you should check your battery or charging system.
Swollen or Bloated Battery Case
When you see a swollen or bloated battery case under your hood, it's one of the clear signs of a dead car battery. This visible swelling signals that the battery has been harmed by extreme temperatures and is not just an odd quirk—it's a serious warning. If the battery looks inflated, it's time to recognize that it can't be trusted to perform well anymore. Your car's day-to-day reliability is at risk, and that swollen battery might soon leave you with a vehicle that won't start.
Age of the Battery
Your car battery isn't going to last forever—expect to need a new one every four years or so. Once your battery hits the three-year mark, it's smart to start watching out for signs that it might be failing. Early detection can prevent bigger issues, saving you from unexpected problems with your vehicle.
Newer car batteries don't always show clear warning signs before they die. That's why it's crucial to remember the three to four-year timeline. Make it a habit to have your mechanic check your battery's health during routine car maintenance. It's a simple step to help you avoid being stranded with a dead battery.
Corrosion on Battery Terminals
Seeing a white, powdery buildup on your car battery terminals? That's corrosion, a common sign that your battery might be in trouble. Corrosion happens naturally over time but can cause problems with your car's electrical connection.
Cleaning off the powdery substance could fix the issue, which helps a bit. But when you keep finding more corrosion, no matter how many times you clean it off, that's your cue; the battery could be wearing out. It's much like a leaky faucet: you might be able to stop the drip for a while, but it's a sign of a bigger plumbing problem.
If you notice your battery terminals are often covered in this white substance, check your battery or change it. After all, it's better to tackle the issue now than to get stuck somewhere with a car that won't start. Remember, keeping an eye on your car battery terminals is a simple step to keep you from unexpected hassles.
The Car Has Been Sitting for a Long Time
Letting your car sit unused for a long while can lead to a dead battery. You might not realize it, but even when your car is off, the battery slowly drains to keep things like your clock and security system running. If it sits without starting for too long, you can't expect the battery to just work like it did—sometimes it gets so drained that a jump start won't cut it, and you'll need a new battery.
Get Your New Car Battery at Rimrock Subaru
Noticing signs of a dead car battery can be a real headache, especially when you're about to hit the road. At Rimrock Subaru, we understand the frustration of a car that won't start due to battery issues. That's why we make sure to check your battery's health every time your vehicle comes in for a service. Our expert technicians use a specialized Subaru car battery tester to assess both your battery and its charging system during a routine multi-point inspection, ensuring we catch any signs of a dying battery long before it leaves you stranded.
Knowing how to tell if your car battery is dying is crucial for any driver, and there are several things that can lead to its decline, such as age and extreme weather conditions. Don't wait until the lights dim and the engine won't start. At Rimrock Subaru, our team is ready to guide you on how how to tell if car battery is dying. And if your battery's time has come, we've got you covered with the perfect new car battery tailored specifically for your Subaru for a flawless fit and optimal performance.
