How To Know When Your Battery is Dying
Batteries are the heartbeat of your car, but due to living under the hood, you might not be sure when the battery is beginning to wind down. It can look like your battery has died suddenly, but often there are warning signs, that are more like whispers letting you know what’s to come. To keep your car in working order and you off the side of the road, read on for four ways to know when your battery is beginning to take a downturn.
4 Ways to Tell if Your Car Battery is Dying
1.Slow Engine Turnover
The most common sign of a dying battery is an engine turnover that is either weak or slow. If your car battery begins to die, when attempting to start your car the engine will turn over either slowly or not at all. This will happen because there isn’t enough strength left within the battery to start the vehicle. If your engine sputters while trying to start, it might be time for a new battery.
2. Dimming Lights and Warning Light
Notice your headlights, interior lights or dashboard lights are dimmer than usual?
This is another sign that your battery could be dying. Since your battery gives power to the car’s electrical system, the weaker the battery is, the dimmer the lights. Along with the dimming lights is the battery warning light. Most cars have this light, if this light comes on it indicates that there may be an issue with the battery. Check the battery immediately when this light begins to turn on.
3. Glitching Electronics
Electronic glitches such as a flickering cabin light, or window that hesitates to roll down can seem like a minor inconvenience but also double as a warning sign for a dying battery. Losing power in small ways highlights that the battery does not have enough voltage to power all it is allotted to.
4. Odor
Notice a rotten egg smell coming from the engine of your car? This can also be a sign of a dying battery, caused by the leak of sulfuric acid from the battery. This can be dangerous as it can cause corrosion to your car’s electrical system. If you catch a whiff of that scent from your engine, it’s time for a new battery.
Ready for a fresh battery for your car? Set an appointment with our expert technicians for a new battery or check out Toyota Parts Center Online where you can select the genuine Toyota parts that you need.
