Your car's battery is a vital part of ensuring that the engine can start and run. Unfortunately, every car battery has a clear lifespan. Many car owners aren't familiar with the early indications that their car's battery is failing. This can leave you with a car that doesn't start, potentially leaving you stranded somewhere. Here's a look at some of the indications that your car's battery is starting to run its course.
Dimming Lights
One of the things that your car's battery does is provide power to the car's lighting system. If you notice your headlights seem dimmer or your car's interior lights dim frequently, that's a sure sign that your car's battery is running down.
The lights on your car will dim as an early indication that your car's battery isn't retaining enough power to keep your lighting at its full capacity. In fact, this is usually one of the earliest indications of a car battery failure.
Delayed Engine Crank
Most car owners are pretty familiar with the way their car sounds when the ignition starts. In fact, you probably don't even think anything of it when the engine starts up because you hear that sound every time. That's why it's so easy for you to spot a difference in the way that the engine turns over.
When you turn the key, any hesitation in the engine cranking is often an indication that your car's battery isn't strong enough to start the engine. When you hear any delay in your car's engine cranking, you should have the battery tested and replaced, if necessary, as soon as possible.
Accessory Problems
Your car's battery is responsible for supplying power to all of the accessories, not just the lights. If your car's radio, wipers, or other accessories aren't responding the way that they should or engage when they shouldn't, those are all clear signs that there's a problem with the car's battery.
No Ignition Response
If you turn the key in your ignition and get nothing but a click, with no dashboard lights illuminating at all, that's another key indicator that your car's battery is failing and doesn't have enough power to start the car. You can usually resolve this by jumpstarting the engine, but that's only a temporary solution. You'll find that your car's battery will still struggle to hold a charge, so you'll need to have it replaced as soon as possible.
For such an important component to your car's engine, the battery is often so overlooked. As a car owner, these are some of the most important signs that there's a problem with your car's battery. If you have more questions about auto batteries, contact a local auto parts store.
