There is no part of the car that is more important than the battery. The car battery plays an essential part in powering the engine, the onboard computer, lights, radio and all other electric components. Car batteries do not last forever, though, and there are a few warning signs to look out for which will indicate that you need to replace your car battery before long. Read on to find out more.
Dashboard Light
The most obvious sign that your car battery might need replacing soon is a dashboard light. This is usually an illuminated battery symbol and could be a result of a failing alternator, damaged cabling or a loose starter terminal.
Difficulty Starting the Car
Another clear sign that your battery is on its way out is if you have trouble starting the car. If you turn the key in the ignition but the car does not start, this could be because there is not enough power to start the car. If you do not hear the engine cranks at all and instead hear a clicking sound, then you will need to replace the battery ASAP. If you ever find yourself in this situation, you can jump-start the car as a temporary solution.
Dim Lights
The battery powers the lights that your car uses, so if you notice that your lights are not as bright as they used to be then this is another red flag. Obviously, the car lights play a hugely important role in terms of safety, so it is important to take action sooner rather than later if you notice that your lights are not as bright as they used to be.
Electrical Issues
If you have any other problems with any electrical parts of the car then this could also indicate that the battery needs replacing soon (but it could also be another issue).
What to Consider When Buying a Battery
If you need to buy car battery replacement then you need to find the right battery for your vehicle – there are online tools that you can use to find the right match. You also want to make sure that your car battery comes with a guarantee in case there are any issues. You can have the battery installed by a professional but it is also a task that is easy enough to complete yourself.
This post should be informative and hopefully help you to spot when your car battery is about to die so that you can take action before getting stranded on the side of the road.