Wondering what are the Symptoms of a Bad Battery?

The battery is the heart of your vehicle--without it, your vehicle doesn't have the power to start, move, or operate the accessories. The battery stores electrical power generated from the alternator while your car is running. It also sends electrical currents to the engine and other electrical components. It is easy to just start up your car every day without any thought about the battery until all of a sudden, your car won’t start. Is the battery the culprit?

What are the symptoms of a bad battery?

1. Engine cranks but doesn't start. When you turn the key in the ignition, the engine barely turns over and the lights and accessories are very dim.
2. Engine doesn’t crank or turn over and the lights don’t come on. When you turn the key, the starter just clicks and is unable to turn the engine over. The lights and other electrical accessories do not work at all. It could be a combination problem involving your alternator.
3. Vehicle randomly starts one day then doesn’t the next. If starting is an intermittent problem, two things are suspect, 1) battery terminals are loose, broken, corroded, or calcified, or 2) something is drawing electrical power from the battery even when the key is out of the ignition.
4. Use jumper cables to start the engine. Even after a jump start, the battery doesn’t seem to get charged.

These signs could also indicate that some source is pulling electrical current from the battery when the ignition is turned off, such as leaving the glove box open so the light stays on all night. It could also be the sign of a faulty alternator that is unable to charge the battery even though the engine is running.

Before deciding whether you need to replace your battery, check the fluid level in your battery as well as the battery cables. If the fluid is low and has been for a while, this will prevent your battery from generating or holding power. If the battery cable connections are loose or corroded, the electrical current in the battery is unable or interrupted in traveling from the battery to your vehicle’s electrical components.

Note to Remember: A car battery replacement is relatively inexpensive when considering the stress and hazards of a roadside breakdown.

Do you need to know what are the symptoms of a bad battery? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

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