Three Common Car Battery Problems and How to Deal With Them
Your car's battery is the component which offers the electric current needed to make all electrical parts functional. The more you understand how your vehicle battery operates, the easier it will be to maintain it. A well-maintained battery should serve your vehicle between three and five years before needing a replacement. However, bad driving habits and exposure to corrosion and other destructive elements can shorten this lifespan. Here are the three most common battery problems and how you can deal with them when they occur.
When the Battery Refuses to Charge
Before your battery becomes completely non-functional, it will give you a number of warning signs. One of these signs is a slow crank to the engine. If you try to start the engine and it gives you a low roar and takes more time to start than it did, that is an indication that the battery is developing problems. Most of the time, when you refuse to resolve the battery problem at this point, it may stop charging. After many years of use, all batteries lose their capacity to hold a charge. When that happens, the only way out is getting a new one.
When the Alternator Has Problems
A faulty battery alternator stops it from functioning as it should. When your battery's alternator stops working properly, the whole unit loses its ability to hold a charge. You will notice issues such as your vehicle's headlights growing dim when you are on the road. One of the common indications that your vehicle alternator has problems is when the check engine light comes on. If your car's check engine light is on and the headlights are misbehaving, see an auto electric repair expert for a diagnosis.
Low Battery Fluid
When the battery fluid is low, it does not produce or conduct electric current as it should. A part of the vehicle's battery will be translucent. This little part of the battery is meant to help you see the level of battery fluid at all times. If the fluid falls below the recommended threshold, you have to replace it. When you fail to replace it, it deteriorates until the battery completely dies.
Other common battery problems include swelling and a rotten egg smell. The easiest way to handle battery issues is by having a professional in car electrical repairs handle repairs and maintenance. When the battery is working properly, you are assured your car will be in perfect working condition at all times.
For more information, contact an auto electrical repair service.