7 Signs Your Car Battery Needs to Be Replaced

by Phil Borges // in Car

While driving and your car start to cut off, it can be an extremely frightening experience. If it happened more than once, then there is a good chance that your battery needs replacement. But how do you know if your car needs a new battery?

You may not know what signs of trouble mean when it’s time for a replacement, but we have listed all 7 signs you need to identify when it is time to get a replacement battery.

Importance and Uses of Car Battery

The car battery is the significant component responsible for providing power to the ignition system and starting your car. The battery also helps maintain a constant supply of electricity in your vehicle so you can use other electronics while driving, such as radios or GPS devices.

Without a battery, your car will not run, and you might be stranded elsewhere.

The Lifespan Of A New Battery

The average lifespan of a new car battery is about four to five years. This is if you take good care of your battery and drive the proper distance each year.

If you buy a second-hand car battery, it will most likely last for two to three years, as this will base on how well it was taken care of beforehand.

A car battery’s life depends on its use, condition, and how you took care of it. The more proper maintenance it gets, the longer its lifespan will be.

7 Signs It’s Time For A New Car Battery

A car battery is like the human heart; it cannot be fixed once it’s broken. If you can spot the signs early of a failing battery and replace it, the better and cheaper it will be.

You can look for many signs that your car battery needs to be replaced to determine when your car battery is nearing the end of its life.

1. Headlights Flickering

The vehicle’s battery provides power for all of your car’s electronics, like radio and headlights. When a battery starts losing its charge, it won’t be able to run these things at full capacity, and you may notice a dimmer light or diminished sound on your stereo when this happens.

The more items plugged in while driving, such as an iPhone charger, can also speed up how fast that battery dies. Another sign that your battery is either low or failing and needs to be replaced soon.

2. The engine won’t start

You will not be able to start the car if the battery is dead. You will usually hear a clicking noise if you turn on the ignition, and there will be no response from your engine when you press down on the gas pedal. This could mean that it is time for a new battery or alternator to get things running again.

It is inevitable that the components inside your battery will wear out and become less effective. When this happens, it takes longer for your engine to start up; you’ll have to wait an extra few seconds before turning over the starter motor at times.

3. Warning on the dashboard

A warning light will come on the dashboard to notify you that your car has a problem.

The engine light can be blinking or solid, and it means something has gone wrong with one of the components in your engine. This could mean that it is time for new spark plugs, air filters, fuel injection systems, or timing belts.

A dead battery can also lead to a warning light coming on the dashboard. If your car is experiencing any of these symptoms, it will need work done very soon.

4. Corrosion and rust

If you notice any corrosion and rust on your battery, it is an indication that a new one may be needed. Corrosion and rust are caused when the electrolytes in the battery become too acidic from age. This will cause cracks or leaks to form outside the casing until they reach through to create more problems with internal parts.

If you see corrosion on the battery, it will need to be replaced as soon as possible, or else more problems can arise and lead to a total system failure of your car.

5. Crack on the battery case

A new car battery may be needed soon because you have noticed cracks forming around the battery case area.

The cracks on your battery will deteriorate the insulation and eventually lead to electric leaks. This can cause a fire or an explosion when you are driving.

A crack or swelling case happens when exposed to extreme heat or cold temperatures. If this occurs, the battery needs to be replaced as soon as possible because other parts may start failing and lead to more problems with your car’s engine.

6. A leak in the battery tray

Seeing a leak coming from the battery tray, it is time to replace your car battery. Call an automotive technician as soon as possible and get that new battery installed right away.

If this problem is ignored, there could be severe consequences down the line, such as corrosion or severe leaks, leading to a fire.

7. The Battery is more than five years

The battery in your car will eventually progress to the point where it is too old and needs replacement. Check the manufacture date, which can be found on the battery itself. It should be printed in black text somewhere near the top.

The older these batteries get, the less effective they will become to start up your engine and power all of those devices plugged in while driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth buying a new battery each time it needs replacement?

A new battery is always worth the investment, as it will last much longer than a used one would have.

It might be better for some people to buy a more advanced battery than they currently have. The new batteries are built with technology that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear for more extended periods before replacing them.

Do I need to recharge a newly purchased car battery?

When you purchase a new battery for your vehicle, it will come fully charged. Just do not forget to inspect the casing or package, which should be sealed as a mark of authenticity.

Is it expensive to get a car battery replacement?

It’s not that expensive when it is time to replace the car battery. It will save you money in the long run. The cost will depend on the type of battery that is needed and where it was purchased.

The average cost of a new car battery is around $150, depending on the type of battery.

If you want to consider your budget and save money on a new battery, it is vital to find the best deals.

What is the common reason why a battery fails to work as intended?

A battery can die quickly if it is not appropriately maintained. You must check the fluid levels and make sure there are no leaks around the casing of your battery periodically to avoid corrosion or other damages which could cause more problems with your car’s engine.

How often should I have my car batteries checked?

It would help if you had your battery checked at least once a year to avoid any potential problems. If you are concerned about your current battery, it is best to have them checked promptly for safety purposes.

Conclusion

It is always best to inspect your battery regularly for any of the signs mentioned in this article. We are hoping that the information provided helps you decide when it is time to replace your car battery.

About the author, Phil Borges

Phil Borges is a battery aficionado. He's written extensively about batteries, and he loves nothing more than discussing the latest innovations in the industry. He has a deep understanding of how batteries work, and he's always on the lookout for new ways to improve their performance.