What are the Signs of a Dying Battery?
There is never a convenient time for your car not to start when you are running out the door to work or some other event. The most common culprit is a dying car battery. As a conscientious vehicle owner, take time to become informed of the signs of a dying battery so you aren’t left in a panic wondering what is wrong your car.
There are three noticeable signs to watch for before your car battery finally gives up:
- The engine cranks but doesn't start when you turn the ignition. The lights are very dim and the other electrical accessories are sluggish.
- When turning the ignition, the starter just makes a clicking noise and is unable to turn the engine over. The lights and other electrical accessories do not work at all.
- The battery doesn’t take a charge from the alternator after using jumper cables to start the engine.
These symptoms can also be caused by an electrical source that is pulling electrical current from the battery when the ignition is turned off. It can also be a symptom of a faulty alternator that is not charging the battery when the engine is running.
Do you want to extend your car battery’s lifespan? Use the following tips to get the most out of your car battery and extend its lifespan:
- Service your car frequently to prevent an inefficient engine and other vehicle components from straining the battery.
- Keep the battery cables clean and connected tightly to the engine and electrical components.
- Never leave your lights or air conditioning on while your vehicle is switched off, as they’ll drain the battery.
- Drive your car frequently (at least once every week) to prevent the battery from becoming too drained.
- Check your battery after you've driven off-road or on a bumpy road, as the impacts can loosen its connections.
Need to know more about the signs of a dying battery? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
There is never a convenient time for your car not to start when you are running out the door to work or some other event. The most common culprit is a dying car battery. As a conscientious vehicle owner, take time to become informed of the signs of a dying battery so you aren’t left in a panic wondering what is wrong your car.
There are three noticeable signs to watch for before your car battery finally gives up:
- The engine cranks but doesn't start when you turn the ignition. The lights are very dim and the other electrical accessories are sluggish.
- When turning the ignition, the starter just makes a clicking noise and is unable to turn the engine over. The lights and other electrical accessories do not work at all.
- The battery doesn’t take a charge from the alternator after using jumper cables to start the engine.
These symptoms can also be caused by an electrical source that is pulling electrical current from the battery when the ignition is turned off. It can also be a symptom of a faulty alternator that is not charging the battery when the engine is running.
Do you want to extend your car battery’s lifespan? Use the following tips to get the most out of your car battery and extend its lifespan:
- Service your car frequently to prevent an inefficient engine and other vehicle components from straining the battery.
- Keep the battery cables clean and connected tightly to the engine and electrical components.
- Never leave your lights or air conditioning on while your vehicle is switched off, as they’ll drain the battery.
- Drive your car frequently (at least once every week) to prevent the battery from becoming too drained.
- Check your battery after you've driven off-road or on a bumpy road, as the impacts can loosen its connections.
Need to know more about the signs of a dying battery? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
