3 Issues That Point To A Faulty Car Battery
A car battery is the lifeblood of your vehicle. The battery helps start the engine and powers all the other electrical components in your car. What would you do if the battery dies and your vehicle won't start? It can be a real inconvenience, especially if you are running late for work, an interview, or a medical appointment.
However, your car battery won't just fail without warning. You should be on the lookout for the tell-tale signs your vehicle battery is dying and needs replacement.
Here are three issues to keep an eye on.
Dimming Headlights
If your car headlights randomly go dim, a bad battery might be to blame. If the brightness of your headlights suddenly fluctuates, it becomes dangerous and challenging to drive.
These essential lights dim or die out due to various other reasons, such as:
- Burn out bulb
- Problems with your car's wiring system
- Lens oxidation
- Setting configuration
However, in most cases, a faulty battery could be the reason for fluctuating electrical power to the headlights. Remember that headlights are among the key electrical components that the car battery powers. And if they go dim, you should take that as a sign that your battery is unable to crank out enough power to all the components.
Slow Starting Engine
If your vehicle cranks slowly, you might want to take a look at your car battery. But your car may take longer to start due to various other factors like:
- Bad weather
- Starter heath
- Fuel pump health
Sometimes, your car engine may take time to crank if there's no fuel or there's a problem with the fuel pressure. If it is extremely cold, the battery may produce less current, making it harder for your car to start.
But if your car takes unusually long to start or doesn't start at all, the battery could be dead or dying. If this is the case, the ignition makes strange noises, and your headlights and dash lights dim out when you start the car.
Bad Smell
If you notice a rotten egg smell from your battery, that's a clear sign of a problem with the battery itself. The smell is due to hydrogen sulfide produced when the battery nears the end of its life.
In addition to the smell, you may notice other signs, such as:
- Corrosion on the connectors
- Warped battery case
Sometimes, the smell goes away when the battery cools down, but if it doesn't, you should change the battery immediately. Remember that the fumes that come out of the battery can have dangerous effects on your lungs and overall health.
Like other car components, the battery has a limited life span. If you suspect that it might be the reason for these three issues, ask your auto repair specialist to perform an in-depth diagnosis to be sure.
If you have any additional questions about auto repair, contact an auto shop in your area.
