Your Car’s Battery is Asking For Help. Are You Listening? | Southside Dodge
How Do You Know If You Need a New Car Battery?
Even with all of the electronics equipped in a modern automobile, it can be easy to overlook the humble car battery – until it’s too late. So, how do you know if you need a new car battery? Luckily, there will be a few telltale signs that your battery’s condition is beginning to deteriorate. The hard part for some drivers is recognizing these symptoms before they find themselves stranded in a snow-covered parking lot on the coldest night of the year. We reached out to the expert technicians to find out exactly what people should be looking for. Let the Southside Dodge team show you some information you need to know.
READ MORE: Why Are Fluid Checks So Important?
Common Signs of a Failing Car Battery
It’s unlikely that a car battery will fail without some warning – leaving the headlights or interior lights on, notwithstanding. If you notice any of the following signs, make an appointment with the Southside Dodge Service Department as soon as possible.
Engine Struggles to Start
Your engine should fire right up when you turn the key. If you hear what sounds like struggling, the battery might not have enough power to turn over the starter motor properly. The engine may eventually start, but holding the key forward for long periods could place undue stress on the starter. The same holds true for keyless ignition when holding the ‘Engine Start’ button for a long time.
Check Engine Light
A check engine light could come on for a lot of reasons. However, one of the most common and benign reasons will be a failing car battery. It might only need a jump start, or it could mean that the battery needs to be replaced. Either way, the battery requires a little attention.
Dim Interior Lights
Have you ever sat in your car and struggled to see? Interior lights that suddenly don’t seem as bright as usual could be the first sign a car battery is starting to decline. Make sure you don’t ignore this crucial signal that you might need to stop by the Southside Dodge Service Department.
When Should I Replace My Car Battery?
Save for a few factors, most new car batteries will have little trouble performing flawlessly for three or four years. After the three- or four-year mark, the battery could very well continue to work just fine, but it should be inspected at least once per year by a qualified technician. Coming to Southside Dodge for on-time oil changes will ensure that someone pays attention to this critical component.
Winter weather is very hard on automotive batteries. Make sure yours is ready to face the cold before it gets here. Schedule an appointment for service at Southside Dodge today.