Warning Signs That Your Car Battery Needs to Be Replaced

The change of the seasons can be hard on your vehicle’s battery. Going from warm weather to a colder temperature can put a strain on a dying battery. Below is a look at some of the symptoms of a challenged battery and when it is time to get it replaced. Thelen Auto Group in Bay City, Michigan, can help you at any of our dealership service departments. Be sure to Think Thelen when you need a service appointment!

Symptoms Your Vehicle Battery Is Dying

Dim or Flickering Headlights – Do your headlights dim and brighten after starting your car? Or do they flicker during your drive? This is an early sign that your battery is slowly losing power. It can also affect your power windows, phone outlets, and even dashboard lights.

Slow Starting Engine – Your battery can affect turning on your vehicle. If you find that it takes a few turns to get it to start, bring it in to have it tested. It can be an indicator of another issue too, like an alternator problem.

Battery Terminal Corrosion – This is one that you can visually inspect yourself. If you notice a blue-green powder or a type of crystallization, you may need a new battery. This could be your battery leaking acid and causing a larger problem. Be sure to handle this problem with gloves on.

The Battery is Swollen – This is another serious sign of a problem you can visually inspect this yourself as well. If you notice your battery bulging, the battery case misshaping to fit it, or any cracking, this needs to be replaced as soon as possible. The battery may explode and even leak into the engine.

Frequent Jumpstarts – Jumpstarting is necessary to get a vehicle going if it’s dead, but doing it repeatedly means your battery is not holding a charge adequately. That means it is time to bring it in to have the battery replaced.

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