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Don't Get Stranded- Understanding Common Car Battery Problems

By Motor Match • 02/06/2023

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the most common car battery problems.

Car battery problems can sneak up on any car owner anytime and anywhere. The last thing you want is to find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere because of a faulty battery. Understanding common car battery problems and how to fix them can save you a lot of time, money, and unnecessary stress. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the most common car battery problems.

Dead Battery

A dead battery is one of the most irritating problems a car owner can experience. This usually happens when the battery isn't charged sufficiently or kept long enough to hold a charge.

If you ever find yourself in such a situation, try jumpstarting your car, then always ensure the battery is in good shape before hitting the road.

Corrosion

If you notice battery acid or corrosion buildup on your battery terminals, this could affect your car's electrical system. A corroded battery can result in difficulty starting your car, malfunctioning lights, and other electrical concerns.

Clean off any visible rust or corrosion with a wire brush and battery-terminal cleaner.

Jump leads

Faulty Alternator

A faulty alternator can contribute to battery woes. If the alternator fails to charge the battery consistently, the battery will continually lose charge and eventually die.

Signs of a defective alternator include dim or flickering lights, unusual noise from the engine, and the battery warning light flickering on the dashboard. Ensure to check your vehicle's charging system from time to time.

Parasitic Drain

Parasitic drain happens when an electrical component in your car continues to consume power when it's turned off. This can lead to battery drain.

A common culprit is a faulty car alarm or interior light. Always make sure all the car's electrical components are off after use and ensure to have them turned off even when the car is locked.

Car Battery

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme temperatures can also affect battery life. Car batteries are designed to work in freezing temperatures, but when temperatures reach over 100 degrees, the battery can become overcharged, leading to damage. On the other hand, a battery can also be severely weakened by sub-zero temperatures. In cold climates, it is best to keep the car indoors or use a car battery heater to prevent damage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being proactive and regularly checking your battery status can help identify problems before they happen. Understanding common car battery problems and how to fix them can help prevent unnecessary expenses and prevent you from being stranded on the side of the road. If you ever suspect an issue with your battery, seek professional assistance immediately.

Regularly maintaining your battery can save you time and money, and it can also ensure your car always starts when you need it to.

Get your battery checked out

5 signs that your car battery needs replacing!

There are many different things that can cause problems with your car battery.

Watch this video and check the 5 signs that your car battery needs changing:

1. Check engine light

2. Slow engine crank

3. Dimmed headlights

4. Swollen battery

5. Battery age

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