Your Chevy relies on the car battery to start the engine and power other electrical components in your vehicle. However, like all batteries, car batteries have a limited lifespan and can eventually fail. Here’s some advice from your local Chevy dealership about the signs to watch for that let you know when it’s time to get a new car battery.
When to Get a New Car Battery: Advice from Your Chevy Dealership
Slow Engine Crank
A slow, laborious engine crank when starting your vehicle is often the first sign of a weakening battery. If you notice that your engine takes longer to turn over or struggles to start, it may be due to insufficient power from the battery.
Dimming Headlights and Interior Lights
Dimming headlights and interior lights are another clear sign of a failing car battery. When your battery can no longer provide enough power, it affects the performance of your vehicle’s electrical system, causing lights to appear noticeably dimmer.
Electrical Component Malfunctions
Your Chevy relies on its battery to power various electrical components, including power windows, locks, and infotainment systems. If you experience malfunctions or erratic behavior in these components, it may be due to a failing battery. It’s essential to address these issues promptly to avoid further damage.
Frequent Jump-Starts
If jump-starts are starting to become part of your morning routine to get your car going, your battery is telling you it’s about to call it quits. While jump-starts may be needed occasionally due to something simple, such as leaving lights on, frequent jump-starts suggest a battery that can no longer hold a charge effectively.
Check Engine Light
A lit check engine light can be triggered by various issues, including a failing battery. Modern vehicles are equipped with onboard diagnostics (OBD) systems that monitor the vehicle’s health. A weak battery can lead to irregular voltage supply, causing the check engine light to illuminate.
Age of the Battery
Car batteries have a typical lifespan of three to five years. If your battery is older than this range, it’s more likely to fail soon. Regularly inspect your battery’s manufacturing date, usually stamped on the casing, to determine if it’s time for a replacement.
Swollen or Leaking Battery Case
Physical damage or leaks around the battery case can indicate a problem. A swollen or misshapen battery case is often a result of overheating and is a clear sign that the battery has reached the end of its life. Leaking battery acid is a hazardous issue that should be addressed immediately.
For professional assistance with selecting and installing a new battery for your Chevy, contact Opequon Motors today. Our experienced technicians here in Martinsburg, WV, can help you choose the right battery and ensure that it’s properly installed, keeping your vehicle in top condition.
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