While the engine’s running, your alternator is primarily responsible for supplying your car with electricity. But when the engine’s off, that role falls solely to your battery. When a battery gets too old or corroded, you’ll experience all kinds of car problems. Let’s take a look at six main signs that it’s time to visit your local Honda dealer for a new car battery.
Time for a New Car Battery? Visit Your Honda Dealer Today
Your Electronics Falter
Many vehicle accessories require electrical power. This includes your headlights, air conditioning, windshield wipers, radio, and dashboard. If more than one of these fails when the engine’s turned off, then your battery is probably to blame.
Car batteries tend to last three to five years before giving up the ghost. When you suspect your battery of getting too old, inspect it often for signs of warping or corrosion. You can replace an aging battery at your nearest dealership.
Your Engine Won’t Start
The most inconvenient problem caused by a dying battery is when you cannot start your vehicle. This means your battery has no power or is somehow failing to deliver sufficient power to the ignition coils. It might also be a result of corroded or loosened wiring or connections.
Before your engine fails to start altogether, you’re likely to notice early warning signs of a struggling battery. The engine will crank sluggishly when you turn the key. It will start struggling more on colder mornings.
Your Engine Stalls
Even though the alternator powers the ignition coils when the engine’s running, a dying battery can still cause rough idling and even stalling. This is because an aging battery needs to draw more energy from the alternator, which redirects power away from other electrical components, including the engine’s ignition coils and spark plugs.
You Smell Sulfur
When the battery ages or becomes damaged, its casing can begin to warp and crack. This eventually allows battery acid to leak out, which emits a strong sulfury smell similar to rotten eggs. A sulfury smell is never a good sign when driving, so if you smell it, pull over right away and check your battery. If left unattended, leaking battery acid can corrode other car parts.
Your Battery’s Warping
When you inspect your battery, look for any warping in the casing. The walls of batteries should be perfectly straight and rectangular. Any swelling or warping will soon lead to cracks. A malformed battery needs to be replaced.
Your Terminals Are Corroded
The metal terminals at the top of a battery should be free from rust or corrosion. If you notice a very mild discoloration or rust appearing, you might be able to clean it with suitable cleaning materials. But seriously corroded terminals mean the battery has to go.
Visit Tony Honda Kona today to have your battery inspected. We’re a local family-owned dealership that’s been helping out the drivers of Hawaii for 35 years.
Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay
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