Have you ever found yourself in a deserted parking lot with a dead car battery? It’s not a very good feeling! Unfortunately, this is a common scenario in the winter, when a lot of car batteries kick the bucket. The good news is that your battery will often show signs that it’s dying long before it finally quits on you. Keep reading to learn a few of the most common indicators that you need a new battery, from your trusted source for European auto repair in Conway, AR:
- Dashboard light: The easiest way to know that your battery is failing is by merely looking at your dashboard. If the battery indicator is turned on or flashing, you should visit a mechanic right away to get your battery checked out or replaced. Hopefully, there’s just an issue with the connection that’s tripping the light, but it’s better to know for sure whether or not you need a new battery.
- Slow engine crank: Is your car slow to start up? Not only is that frustrating, but it’s also a sign that your battery is on its last leg and is having trouble powering your vehicle. Replace your battery and stop waiting around for your car to start up. If your vehicle is still slow to start up after you’ve replaced the battery, you may need to consider bringing it to us for European auto repair in Conway, AR. We’ll figure out the true cause of the problem and fix it right away.
- Low battery fluid level: Most battery casings have a small portion that’s transparent, allowing you to see the liquid inside. If that battery fluid is below the lead plates, it’s time to bring your car in to test the battery and possibly replace it.
- Bloating battery case: Extreme heat can cause your battery casing to swell up like a balloon. A swollen battery case decreases your battery’s lifespan and is a surefire sign that it’s time to have it replaced.
- Battery leak: A broken battery case can lead to a leaky battery, which is just as bad as it sounds. Leaks cause corrosion around the posts, meaning your car won’t be able to start up. You can try to clean off the corrosion, but you might be better off just biting the bullet and replacing the battery rather than delaying the inevitable.
- Old age: Even the best batteries on the market don’t last forever! Typically, car batteries should last anywhere from four to six years. After three years, however, we recommend having the battery inspected at least once a year to ensure that it’s holding up.
If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, now is the time to bring your car in to have the battery replaced and get any other European auto repair in Conway, AR your vehicle needs. The last thing you want is to be stranded somewhere with a dead battery and nobody around to give you a jump. At Riverdale Automotive, you can trust that we’ll replace your battery as fast as possible so that you can get on with your day!