One of the first signs that your battery is dying is its age. Car batteries generally last about three to four years. After this, they are at risk of dying. You can determine your battery’s age by looking at it. There is a sticker on it with two numbers. These numbers represent the month and year your battery was manufactured. Accurate Auto advises that if your battery is over three years old, you should begin to look for the following signs of a dying battery.
A Rotten Egg Smell Near the Battery
If you smell rotten eggs near your car’s battery, this is a sign that the battery is leaking. Battery acid is sulfuric acid, and as this acid leaks out of an old battery, it will smell like rotten eggs. It’s important to replace the battery if it is leaking. It’s not generating voltage the way it needs to when there is a battery acid leak because the chemical reaction is affected.
Battery or Check Engine Light Warning
Another sign that your battery is dying is an illuminated battery-shaped light or check engine light. If you drive an older car, you may also have a light that spells ALT or GEN. any of these lights turn on if the battery is going bad.
Corroded Battery Cables/Terminals
Aside from smelling rotten eggs, a battery acid leak will also corrode the battery terminals and cables. Again, if the battery is leaking acid, the chemical reaction going on inside of the battery is affected. This means the battery cannot generate the amount of voltage your vehicle needs to operate.
Dim Lights/Accessory Malfunctions
Some things that are affected when the voltage is too low are your vehicle’s lights and accessories. The lights will flicker and go dim; the accessories will fail to operate. This can include things such as your vehicle’s entertainment system, the power windows, and your navigation system.
It’s Hard to Start the Engine
A dying battery also makes it difficult to start your automobile. It may crank several times before it fires up, or it may not fire up at all. You may not get this morning before your battery dies completely. You may end up with a dead battery and an inability to start your car without any warning.
The Battery Case Is Warped
Finally, if your battery case is warped or cracked, you need to replace your battery right away. Another indication that the battery is dying is a bubbling battery case. Don’t continue to drive your automobile when the battery case is in this condition.
Accurate Auto has three Oregon auto service shop locations to serve you: Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, and Beaverton. Call the shop closest to you today to schedule an appointment for a battery test and replacement if necessary.