While we are just coming into Fall and we are still getting 90-degree days, it is time to think about winter and what you can do to keep your car running smoothly in the cold winter months. The main thing you need to check is your battery. If your battery is going bad, you will likely see the symptoms when the weather gets cold. However, you don’t want to wait until you have a problem with your battery.
A car battery does not last forever. They generally last between 3 and 5 years and if you can’t even remember the last time you changed the battery, chances you are driving on borrowed time.
Here are a few things to look for that are signs that your battery needs to be replaced.
It is Difficult to Start Your Car
If you turn your key or hit the button and nothing happens even for a second, it could be a sign of a weak battery. Even if the car starts, if the engine feels and sounds sluggish, like it doesn’t want to start, or it takes longer for the engine to catch, the problem is more than likely related to having an old battery. Once the car is started, you may not notice a problem since the alternator provides all the power to the car, including recharging the battery. You do need both the battery and alternator to be working properly for the car to be getting the appropriate charge, however, when you first start your car, you are dependent on the battery for that initial charge. If the battery isn’t strong enough or it isn’t holding a charge while the car is off, then you need to get a new battery.
The Car Doesn’t Run as Well or has an even more Difficult Time Starting in the Winter.
When your battery is cold, it is far less efficient. During the winter, when you are dependent on your battery to start your car, the cold weather means the battery will have to work even harder to get that initial jolt to the engine and alternator. If your battery is on the verge of failing, the cold weather might be the final straw that puts you over the edge.
Random Problems with Lights and other Electrical Systems
As we said, the battery and alternator must both be in good condition and working in tandem to provide the power you need for the engine and the other systems, such as your lights and radio. If your lights are dimmer than usual or your dashboard lights or radio display are flashing, it could be a sign that your battery isn’t providing the power your need for all the car’s systems to be working properly.
Strange smells
Several things can cause foul odors in your car, and your battery is one of them. A battery leaking sulfuric acid will produce the infamous rotten egg smell. While all issues with a battery are serious, you absolutely do not want to mess around with sulfuric acid. Once the car starts to produce bad smells, bring the car in right away.
Swelling battery
You should give your engine a visual inspection every once in a while to ensure everything looks okay. You should look at your battery to ensure it is not swelling. A swelling batter is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Do not drive a car with a swollen battery, and definitely do not try to remove the battery yourself. Call a tow truck. A battery swells when overcharged, and the hydrogen builds up faster than it can be dissipated. A swollen battery is a ticking time bomb that can cause a fire if it bursts while you are driving or cause severe acid burns if the battery bursts while you are handling it. Neither option is great, so if you see your battery is swollen, just step away from it and call us immediately.
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