Are you struggling to start your car on cold mornings? If you are, then your battery might be on its last legs. Let’s take a look at the warning signs of a failing car battery. If you notice the following four indications of trouble, visit your local Kia dealer for a new car battery right away.
Your Engine Won’t Start
The battery powers both the starter and the ignition coils. If you find that you can’t start your engine in the morning, then you have some sort of battery problem. It might be that the battery is good but temporarily out of juice.
In this case, the battery drained because your headlights or other electronics were left on overnight. Alternatively, your alternator might have failed to charge the battery during your last drive. Sometimes extreme temperatures can also cause a battery to prematurely drain.
Do You Have a Bad Battery or Alternator?
When your car fails to start, you’ll need to jump-start it. When you do so, notice if the engine keeps going or not. If the engine dies shortly after, then your alternator has a problem. But if the engine keeps going, the alternator’s fine, and it was the battery that was the problem. Keep an eye out for further problems indicating the battery needs to be replaced.
Stalling at Traffic Lights
Car batteries tend to last between three and five years. When they start to fail, they require more energy from the alternator to recharge. At the same time, they provide voltage less effectively.
The combination of these problems is more pressure on your engine and a less reliable charge to the ignition coils. This will cause your car to idle roughly and even stall while you’re resting in idle, such as when pausing at traffic lights.
Dimming Headlights
If you suspect a dying battery, you can run a test by pulling up your car facing a garage door. Keeping your headlights on, turn your engine off. Then see how much the headlights dim as the battery takes over, unassisted by the alternator. If your headlights dim significantly, then your battery isn’t charging or distributing energy properly.
Damaged Casing or Connectors
Inspect your battery for signs of damage. Any ashy discoloration to the connectors means they’re corroded, and the battery will have to be replaced. Likewise, any warping in the battery casing means the battery’s bad. And, of course, get rid of a battery that’s cracked and leaking battery acid.
How a Kia Dealer Tests Your Battery
If you’re unsure whether or not to replace your battery, ask a technician at your local dealership to test it. In addition to a visual inspection, they can run a variety of tests, including load testing, conductance testing, refractometer testing, and voltage testing with a multimeter.
Visit Koons Kia of Owings Mills today to have your battery examined or replaced. We’re one of Maryland’s most trusted car dealerships.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.