Making sure that your car battery is functional is one of the most important parts of car maintenance. Having a battery that doesn't work can cause inconvenience, and might even put you in danger. If you're wondering how to tell whether it's time for a battery change, here are a few signs that it's time to visit your dealership for a new car battery.Â
1. Your Car Is Having Electrical Issues
Your car's battery is what powers all of its electrical components. That means your headlights, interior lights, phone chargers, and anything else requiring power from electricity are run by your battery.
But as your battery ages and starts losing its charge capacity, all these components of your car will stop working right. The lights on your dash will appear dimmer, your interior lights won't be as bright, and your headlights may not work properly even in the dark. This last thing could be dangerous since not being able to see in the dark could lead to an accident.
2. Your Battery Has Corrosive Buildup
If you suspect that your battery might be going, take a look under the hood for yourself. A battery with corrosive buildup will likely have a white, ashy-looking buildup, usually on the positive terminal. This buildup can cause voltage problems with your battery, and make it difficult to start your car.
You can clean off the buildup for yourself, as long as you have the right tools and the know-how. But it's best to replace the battery completely as soon as you can.
3. You Smell Something Strange
Your car making a bad smell is never a good sign. If you smell something like sulfur or rotten eggs, that's a sign that your battery is becoming corroded. You may not even need to pop the hood of your car, since this smell will often make its way into the cabin.
No matter where the smell is coming from or what the smell is, you'll want to bring your car to your dealer to get checked right away. If your battery needs replacing, do it then and there, and if the smell is caused by another problem, the mechanics will be able to address it.
4. Your Car Won't Start
If you live in colder climates, then you know that the weather can seriously affect your car starting. But car batteries should still have enough power to start, even when it's freezing out.
If your car simply refuses to start, that's another sign that you might need a new battery. It could also be a sign that something is wrong with your starter. Either way, you'll want to visit your mechanic so that they can take a look and fix the problem.
Your battery is one of the most important parts of your car! If your battery is on the fritz, it means that other elements of your car will stop working properly. This can be inconvenient, and even dangerous! So if you think it's time to have your battery replaced, visit Tansky Sawmill Toyota and let the professionals have a look.
