3 Common Issues Your Car Battery Can Have
A faulty or dead car battery will ruin your day and possibly your week. Now, you have to call a friend to help you get to an auto shop to purchase a new battery.
You can see how your inconvenience is becoming a bigger nightmare for everyone.
Make sure you know the three common car battery problems so you can form solutions and prevent further issues.
1. Corrosion of the Battery
An obvious issue for battery failure is when the battery acid has started to corrode the unit.
The positive and negative terminals on the top of your battery are the points for charging the battery and for the alternator.
Mild corrosion may prevent you from jump-starting the battery or the alternator from charging up the battery when you turn the ignition.
A big sign of corrosion is discolored growths on and around the positive and negative terminals. Expect to see green or blue fungus-like acid on the battery. Another sign of corrosion is a white powder forming.
Battery corrosion is a normal process of the life cycle of a car battery. Small signs of corrosion don’t warrant any panic.
You can remove some acid by wiping it away with a dry rag. For tougher acid corrosion, use a wire brush carefully.
2. Car Battery Problems Are Age-Related
It shouldn’t be a shock that an old battery will die on you. The concept is the same as batteries in a TV remote or clock. Eventually, the battery will have no charge left.
The average lifespan of a battery is up to five years but can be as short as three years depending on climate.
Monitor the age of the car battery and test it regularly.
Parking a car in a garage and not using it can also create battery problems. The alternator in the car charges the battery. If you’re not using the car, the battery continues to drain even if it’s not in use.
It’s good to use all your vehicles occasionally to prevent the battery from dying. You can use a battery charger if you’re unable to use a vehicle for a while.
By knowing the age and watching your battery for signs of failure, you can prevent being caught off-guard on the road. Luckily, there are professionals who can assist you in that event.
3. Cold Climates
Have you ever noticed that your car battery always seems to die during the winter? There’s a reason for that.
Car batteries nearing the end of their life will freeze at relatively cold temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fully charged car batteries are 60% weaker at zero degrees outside.
Unless you have a garage to store your vehicle at night, it might be helpful to keep a portable battery starter in the house.
Look for signs that the battery is dying by watching for dimming lights or clicking sounds when you turn over the ignition.
Drive With Confidence
Knowing the common car battery problems allows you to prevent the issues and form solutions so you aren’t caught stranded on the road.
Even the basic warning your car battery is on its last leg will help you.
If you become stranded without help, contact us for our mobile battery service so we can get you back on the road.
