Cars are complex machines, with many moving parts and complicated systems, and they need a lot of energy to keep all those systems up and running. The battery plays a key role in this process, but car batteries can wear out within a few years and need to be changed regularly. This guide will cover some of the key signs that tell you when the time is right to get a new car battery from your local Mazda dealership in Rochester, MN.
1. Weak Headlights
One of the worst symptoms of a bad battery is weak or unreliable headlights. Unfortunately, the headlights of your car rely on the battery in order to operate effectively, so when the battery starts to fail, the headlights may begin acting strangely, flickering at random or failing to reach their usual levels of brightness and intensity.
2. Physical Damage
A visual inspection can sometimes be enough to identify a dying battery, so don’t forget to pop the hood now and then and inspect the case closely. Old, damaged, or dying batteries can appear swollen or misshapen, and they may have visible leaks or patches of corrosion on and around the case. A healthy battery, on the other hand, should look perfectly normal, without any major signs of wear and tear.
3. Warning Lights
A simple way to spot any possible issues with your battery or other parts of your car is to take a look at the dashboard. Various lights on the dashboard may illuminate when problems arise with your car, and a battery-shaped light or the Check Engine light could be linked to battery problems. Don’t ignore these lights when they show up.
4. Old Age
As explained earlier on, car batteries don’t last forever. They can keep you running for a few years and charge back up while you drive, but they will need to be replaced when they start getting too old. If your battery has been in your car for three or four years, or longer, you’ll need to start thinking about a fresh one.
5. Electrical Issues
Modern cars have dozens of different features and systems that rely on electrical power to operate, from heated seats to GPS devices, and any one of those features can start acting strangely when the battery is beginning to fail. You might notice your car’s entertainment system being slow to load, for example, or the power sunroof stuttering as it tries to open and close.
6. Slow Starts
The battery even helps to get the engine fired up, providing energy to the spark plugs to trigger the ignition process. If it doesn’t have much power left, it might need a few extra seconds to get your car started.
Driving around with a bad battery isn’t a great idea, as these problems will only get worse the longer you go without a replacement. So if you notice any of the signs listed above, or any other oddities with your vehicle, contact the professionals right away. Call or visit Rochester Mazda for new batteries, along with other essential services and repairs.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
Categories
