Our technicians at Group 1 Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Denton. Know exactly what to look for and we’re here to share their knowledge, so you can hit the roads of Denton, Carrollton, and Flower Mound, TX, with more confidence.
Pay attention when starting your car. If the ignition is sluggish and taking longer than normal, your car battery may be starting to die. The battery needs a certain voltage to start your car. Having a technician perform a voltage test when completing maintenance will help you stay on top of things.
If you hear a clicking sound and the engine isn’t starting at all, it’s likely your battery is already dead. A jump start should give you enough power to get the vehicle in for service.
Your car battery is responsible for powering your dashboard. If you notice warning lights flashing on and off, a dying battery is usually to blame. It can send faulty signals that cause your dashboard to malfunction.
Pro Tip: If you notice your Charging System warning light is illuminated, you may lay blame on the battery itself. It’s more likely, however, that the alternator is the culprit. You’ll want to get your vehicle to a service center as soon as possible. A faulty alternator will result in a dead battery before long.
Did it take a couple of clicks to get your doors to lock? Are your windows taking longer than normal to roll up and down? Electrical malfunctions like these are usually caused by a dying batter that needs to be replaced.
It’s a good idea to track how many electrical systems you use at once. If you’re rocking out to your favorite songs while your phone is charging and the kids are enjoying a movie on the rear seat entertainment system, it’s likely that your car battery will drain quicker than if you only had one of these systems in use.
As your car battery begins to fail, it lacks the power to keep your lights as bright as they normally are. This is usually evident with the headlights. Do they go dim when idling? This is a telltale sign that your battery is on its last legs.
Adversely, if your headlights go dim when accelerating or braking, the alternator is usually to blame.
Pop your hood and look at the battery terminals. Checking for corrosion is one of the easiest ways to tell if your battery needs to be replaced. If you see a blue-green powder or crystal-like substance around the terminals, it’s time for a new car battery.
A small amount of corrosion is common. When it’s excessive, however, it could be a sign that battery acid is leaking or gases are escaping. Corrosion is also very common in older batteries.
Now that you know how to tell when your car battery needs to be replaced, you’ll have more confidence out on the roads of Denton, Carrollton, and Flower Mound, Texas.
When you need a battery replaced, schedule a service appointment at Group 1 Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Denton!