It’s no surprise to anyone that a car’s battery might give out, and though we all hope that it doesn’t happen at a bad time, it’s important to stay ahead of potential dangers by knowing the signs. While warnings may differ from model to model, here are a few ways to tell when you should come down to see us at your local Ford dealer and pick up a new car battery.
Electrical Difficulties
First off, weakening batteries can weaken the vehicle’s electrical systems. These problems can be totally car-related, like slowed headlights or slowed interior lights, or battery-based, like in the case of overcharging. Batteries that overcharge are then far more prone to becoming damaged; the amount of power running through them is massive, and, if not reduced by the assistance of the alternator, at risk of boiling the solution inside the battery.
In the same vein but on the opposite end, weakening batteries require more jump-starts than strong ones do as they just can’t hold a strong charge anymore. While many cars demand a jump-start now and then, if it’s happening all the time then your battery is probably dying. There’s also the slow-crank problem; an engine that sounds like it’s toiling to start is another sign that you need a new battery, as battery-drain is one of the major causes.
Visible Damage
While a little bit of corrosion can be easily handled through cleaning, more significant cases of wear-and-tear are another good sign that a battery’s time has come. A battery that has become damaged enough to lose its original shape (or a battery that has become swollen, and is therefore notably deformed) is not only at risk of breaking down, but could also totally rupture, presenting a danger to the car’s systems as well.
Time and Age
In some cases, it’s helpful to replace the battery by just staying ahead of the curve! A Ford battery can generally be expected to last some three to five years, and batteries that have been in use longer than that need constant looking out for. An experienced technician may be able to glance at your battery’s voltage and keep you informed about its health, or lack thereof, and thus help you to determine when it ought to be replaced. Think you may have a damaged or defunct battery but aren’t entirely sure? Come see us at Auffenberg Ford Belleville and let our service department give your battery a check-up. Our technicians are experienced, friendly, and well-prepared to give both your battery and your vehicle any help that they might need.
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