Every year thousands of U.S. drivers find themselves stuck. The starter is making very strange chugging noises and hardly able to turn over. They cross their fingers, pump the gas pedal, and hope that their vehicle will fire up. It is a shame that this happens so often despite telltale signs that clue car owners in long before the final blow.
Signs of a Battery on the Brink
The car battery plays a critical role in the safe and continued function of any automobile. This is true today, more than ever, because so many computers require nuanced signals from electronic sensors to operate properly. If your automotive battery is getting weak, you may experience sporadic operating problems as the first sign:
- Hesitation
- Misfires
- Occasional hard starts
- Instrument cluster malfunctions
- Dimming lights
- Immobilizer problems
However, when your car battery is holding some charge, the symptoms may not be so obvious that "something" is wrong. Most drivers don't realize that their battery is weak until the cold weather hits. This is because the electrochemical processes slow down in the cold and make it harder for weak batteries to turn over. Yet, the bulk of the damage was usually incurred during the summer when the electrolyte boiled off.
It is amazing that car batteries do not die more often when you consider the extreme temperatures and heavy duty cycles that they face. Remarkably, the average new battery can last for about 5 or 6 years before a replacement is required. The lifespans may be reduced, however, if your vehicle is exposed to additional stressors.
Batteries are also damaged when drivers leave lights on for long periods of time. Even if you are able to jumpstart the vehicle or trickle charge the battery back to life, running a battery dry can cause permanent damage to the cells. The cells may never hold a stable charge again.
In other cases, your battery can die from excessive vibration or leaks. The smell of rotten eggs (sulfur) and corrosion at the terminals is a sure sign that your battery is headed for the battery boneyard. You may even see your Check Engine light illuminate because the sensors are not sending the correct signal. Some owners will be quick to assume that the sensor is bad without first considering the power supply.
Another sign that your battery is bad is a bad alternator. The alternator has to work overtime to charge a battery with weak cells. This wears out the brushes and will force you to keep replacing alternators every few days or weeks. In some cases, even a brand-new battery can be sucked dry if there is a shorted wire somewhere drawing power from the circuit. Finding parasitic shorts is not always easy because they can even be hidden under interior panels.
Contact Us
When you are experiencing any small signs that your battery may be bad, it is good practice to replace it as soon as possible to eliminate the risks of alternator damage. Van Subaru warmly welcomes you to stop by our dealership in your leisure to have your battery tested before it bites the dust. Contact our service department today to schedule an appointment.
