Slow Engine Crank
It takes a lot of power to get your car started, and all that power is produced by the battery. Once the car is started, the alternator keeps the car battery going by replacing the power used to start the engine and run your vehicle’s electronic accessories. When you put the key in your car’s ignition and turn it, the battery alone starts the engine. If the battery is weakening, you may notice that the engine turns over slower than usual. It’s important that you pick up on that warning sign, you may be stranded if it takes more than one crank to get the engine to fire. If the engine does not crank at all, the vehicle will often just make a rapid clicking sound, this indicates that the available power is too low to crank the engine. Bring the battery in and have it check at your Local AAMCO.
Issues with electrical components
In addition to powering the engine, the car battery also needs to produce enough power to operate the other electrical components in your vehicle. Modern cars have many electronic accessories including power windows, power seats, radio, windshield wipers, dashboard lights, headlights and more. All of which require electricity supplied from your vehicle’s battery.
If you start to notice that your electronic components are not operating like they used to, this may be a sign that the battery is wearing out. You may want to check for power loss due to dirty battery terminals. If it appears clean, it might be time for a battery replacement. Pay special attention to when you use more than one component at a time. For example, if you switch on the radio while using the headlights and the headlights go dim, the battery might not be as young as it once was.
Dashboard Warning Light
Most cars have a dashboard warning light, usually in the shape of a battery. This will illuminate if the battery is not being replenished properly or if there is an internal problem with the battery. Like the Check Engine light, the battery warning light might also mean that something is wrong with the alternator or some other part of the electrical system. If the light comes on, the best course of action would be to have your vehicle’s electrical system inspected by your local AAMCO.
Swollen Battery Case
When a car battery is exposed to excessive amounts of heat or cold, the flat sides of the battery case may swell or bulge. If for example the battery sits in a vehicle that is not driven for some time in the winter, the battery may freeze. Freezing and swelling from excess heat often results in an electrically “dead” battery that cannot be recovered and will require replacement.
Old Age
On average, a car battery lasts about five years. This average lifespan will fluctuate depending on extreme temperature exposure, number of deep discharges and whether it goes through full charge cycles. That being said, five years is how much life most batteries have so once you hit the 4-year mark, it might not be a bad idea to get it tested by your local AAMCO to see how much life it has left. If you are not sure how old the battery is, you should be able to find the manufacture date on the battery case.
Weird Smell
When a battery has been frozen, overcharged or is shorted internally its case may vent gas. If you happen to detect a rotten egg scent under the hood of your vehicle, have your battery inspected as soon as possible because in addition to possibly needing a replacement battery, the sulfuric acid can eat away at other engine parts, causing corrosion, which is something you want to avoid at all costs.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your local AAMCO.
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Come to AAMCO Minnesota for All Your Car Repairs & Maintenance
You need an experienced automotive technician who can diagnose the problem and honestly tell you what needs to be done when something is wrong with your car.
If you have questions about your car’s exhaust, engine, transmission, repair or maintenance needs, AAMCO Minnesota can help. Stop by or call a local AAMCO Minnesota repair shop for a Multi Point Vehicle Inspection of your transmission and related systems. We can handle all your scheduled car maintenance and repairs, from brakes and oil changes to factory recommended maintenance and full transmission replacements.
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