As the power source for your entire vehicle, it’s important to understand when you’ll need to replace your battery.
- How to Extend your Car Battery Life
- Leaks, vibrations and squealing: signs your vehicle needs maintenance
Having a faulty power supply can bring you to a complete halt — or worse — put you in danger on the road. No matter how you look at it, having a bad battery can lead to bigger and more costly issues.
There are a few telltale signs you must replace your battery, such as the engine doesn’t start, your headlights are dim, or your vehicle is backfiring. If you’re using a regular battery — not a hybrid or specialty aftermarket one — then these tips are for you.
Engine won’t turnover
There’s no more obvious sign of a battery problem then your vehicle just not starting. You keep trying, but all you hear is a ticking noise. That’s because there isn’t enough power to engage the engine.
There’s always a chance the battery terminals may be loose, corroded, or calcified. Having messy battery terminals can reduce alternator output by up to 30 per cent and cause your vehicle many problems. Given how many different issues can cause a car to not start properly (a bad ignition switch, a bad starter solenoid control wire, or even a flawed security system) most people don’t think of the battery.
You may also have a specific device in the vehicle drawing power from the battery, even after the engine is turned off, a problem known as parasitic draw. This issue may be caused by things like a faulty aftermarket stereo system. If this is the case, it’s probably best to have your car looked at by a professional.
Your headlights are dim
If the electronics in your car won’t work when the engine is off, it’s likely caused by a problem with your battery. Electronic accessories to watch for include your car headlights, dashboard indicators, radio, power seats, power windows, and windshield wipers.
Accessories and lights are among the first things to fault out, if your battery needs to be replaced. If your car has a dashboard battery gauge, check to see if it’s still being charged. You can also try to start the car with all these accessories off. If it still won’t start, then it’s wise to check the charging system or connectors for faults.
Your engine backfires
One of the lesser known symptoms of a low battery is a backfire. Most people would never make the connection, but it’s entirely possible.
A low battery can cause intermittent sparks, which then leave a buildup of fuel in your engine’s cylinders. When the fuel finally ignites, there is a much larger explosion than normal.
If your vehicle backfires, you can check the more traditional issues, like your carburetor. But occasionally, you’ll need to test your battery voltage as well. A reading of 12.5 volts or higher means your battery is optimally charged. 12.3 volts is 75 per cent charged, while anything less than 11.8 volts means your battery is down to 25 per cent.
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