Getting stranded with a dead battery in the middle of nowhere is always inconvenient. Thankfully, batteries that are about to die often give a few warning signs that you can look out for. In this blog, we highlight the telltale signs that your car battery is failing so you never get stuck in the middle of nowhere with a car that won’t turn on.
Slow engine crank
All vehicles are equipped with a starter motor that turns the engine over when you first turn on the ignition. This is called cranking, and a healthy battery will crank your engine easily within a few seconds. If your car fails to start after several tries, this is a clear sign of a battery that’s about to die.
Dim headlights and dash lights
A car battery provides 12 volts of power to all your car’s electrical components, including the headlights and the dashboard. If your headlights and dashboard lights are dim, this could mean that the battery is failing.
Clicking sound when turning the key
If you hear a clicking sound when turning the ignition, this is often a sign that the battery is dying. When your ignition clicks, it’s usually an indication of one of three things: a bad starter, a bad alternator, or, more typically, a bad battery. When you crank your engine, your battery creates a charge for the starter. When not enough energy is available, there will either be a clicking sound when you turn the key or the engine will be very slow to turn on.
There’s a rotten smell when you pop the hood
If you find that your car’s hood smells musty or rotten, this could mean that your battery is failing. If you notice a rotten egg smell, this is usually a sign that your car battery is leaking. A gas leak in a battery can be caused by damage to the battery or an internal short.
Your battery is old
The life expectancy of a car battery depends on the type of battery you have, but it is typically between 3 to 5 years. If your car battery is more than five years old, it may already be nearing its end of life. If your battery is older than 5 years, it’s definitely time to start shopping for a replacement.
You should always pay attention to the signs your car battery is failing. If you notice any of these symptoms in your car, you may want to consider replacing the battery.
