Symptoms of a Bad Car Battery | Andy Mohr Speedway Chevy

Are your dashboard lights and sound system on the fritz? Have you had to jumpstart your car a lot lately? These are common symptoms of a bad car battery or other issues with your vehicle’s electrical system.

At Andy Mohr Speedway Chevrolet, we want to help you detect these issues before you get stuck in Indianapolis, Fishers, or Speedway with a dead battery. Plus, learn how to tell whether the issue is with your battery or the alternator.

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TOP SYMPTOMS OF A BAD CAR BATTERY 

1. Trouble starting your car: A clicking noise when you try to start your car is the telltale sign of a dead battery. However, there are also signs that can alert you to this issue before you need a jumpstart. A car that cranks slowly before finally turning over—especially if it’s cold outside—might need a new battery soon. If the battery is the issue, this symptom is usually accompanied by dashboard lights dimming or flickering when you try to start the vehicle.

 

2. Swollen or leaking battery: You can also take a look at the battery itself to see if it’s bad. First, check the battery case for any swelling or cracks. This is a sign that the battery overheated at some point and is no longer working properly. Corrosion on the terminals is a sign your battery is leaking, and the resulting build-up could hamper your battery’s connection. If there are no cracks or swelling, cleaning the corrosion can help you get a little more life out of your battery. To clean the corrosion, first disconnect the battery. Then, use a toothbrush dipped in baking soda and water to scrub the gunk off the terminals. Wipe off any extra residue with a clean rag. Before you reattach the cables, put some petroleum jelly on the clean terminals to help prevent future corrosion.

 

3. Low battery fluid: Most car batteries use a wet cell design, meaning there are fluid electrolytes that help it perform properly. Over time, this fluid can evaporate—and when the battery fluid is low, it won’t work as well.

 

4. Old battery: When’s the last time you replaced your battery? Batteries only last about three to five years on average. If it’s been more than three years, chances are you’re due for a new battery. Read more on how long car batteries last.

 

IS IT THE BATTERY OR THE ALTERNATOR? 

Your alternator is what recharges your battery once your car is running. Thus, if your alternator dies, your battery will also drain. How do you know if the issue is with the battery or the alternator?

The most obvious sign of an alternator issue is a red battery dashboard light. Many people think this means your battery is low, but it actually signifies an issue with your car’s charging system. Other signs you need a new alternator include:

• Squealing sound from the engine, especially when your A/C or sound system is on
• Electrical issues like stereo fuzz or brightening/dimming lights when your car is running
• A car that jumpstarts fine but doesn’t stay running
• Signs of overheating, such as the smell of burning rubber or hot wires

Additionally, alternators often make a growling sound when they begin to fail. If you noticed a noise coming from your engine before experiencing any of the above symptoms, get your alternator checked out.

 

CAN I DRIVE WITH A BAD CAR BATTERY?

Even when your car battery is going bad, you may be able to jumpstart your car and drive it around. However, you may not be able to get around reliably. If your car stalls or you turn it off, you may not be able to start it again.

Additionally, driving a car with a bad battery can cause undue stress on the alternator. This is because it senses the battery isn’t charged, and it works overtime trying to charge the dead battery. If you drive like this for too long, you may start experiencing some of the above symptoms of a bad alternator—which is more expensive to replace than the battery.

In short, if you need to get somewhere—especially if it’s nearby and you won’t be stuck in a lot of traffic—you should be fine. But you should get a new battery as soon as possible to prevent excess strain on your alternator.

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