Being stuck in the middle of nowhere can be both frustrating and frightening. If your car suddenly stops and doesn’t restart, or if you are getting an insufficient power warning, then you may have a problem with your car battery.
Here are the five clear signs that your car battery is failing:
1. Clicking Sounds When Turning the Key
When the battery is dying, you will hear what sounds like a metal spoon being tapped against the metal container. This sound will get louder as the battery drains. This sound happens when the battery is not able to output the starting current, and is a telltale sign that your battery is dying. If this is the case, then you should purchase a new one so you will not be stuck in the middle of nowhere ever again.
2. Dimming Headlights
If your headlights are dim or less bright, or if the taillights are not lighting up, then your car battery is not able to output enough power to keep them functioning. This is usually due to either a failing battery or if there are other components not functioning properly. Your best bet is to have your alternator checked to make sure that it is working properly.
While a blown headlight or taillight can be replaced, it’s better to just replace your car battery if it continues to function poorly. This will prevent unnecessary damage to the electrical system on your car.
3. Backfiring and Intermittent Sparks
When a battery is almost out of power, then it will produce intermittent sparks due to not being able to maintain a complete connection. This is called “battery popping” and was a common sign when old-fashioned lead-acid batteries were used. If your car is making backfiring sounds when you start the engine, then it may be a sign that your car battery is already dead.
4. Needing to Press Gas Pedal to Start
If you need to press the gas pedal to the floor before starting the engine, then this is a sign of a weak or dead battery. When you turn the key and there is no power, then you need to press the gas pedal all the way down to get enough power to turn the engine over. This can happen due to one of two things: either the alternator is not charging the battery, or the battery itself is not able to hold a charge.
To check if the alternator is working, you can have it tested or replace it if it is the problem. To check if the battery is the problem, you can have it tested or replace it if it is the problem.
5. Having Difficulty Starting Your Car
It’s hard to diagnose the issue with your car battery by simply trying to start your car. You will need to check how far you can drive before your car dies. If you can drive at least 3 to 5 miles (5 to 10 kilometers), and your car can still turn on the headlights, then you are just fine. However, if you can only drive for a few miles before your car dies, then you need to go to your mechanic and get it checked.
Conclusion
Car batteries are a necessity for all cars, as it provides the power for the engine to run. When your car battery is about to die and you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere, make sure that you always have a spare car battery with you so you can change it once you come across one of these 5 unmistakable signs that your car battery is failing.
AAA FNQ Battery Wholesalers is a battery shop in Brisbane that sells car batteries and accessories. Find the right car battery for your vehicle in our inventory. Browse through our automotive batteries today!