Replacing your car’s battery before it dies saves you from the headache and hassle of being stranded by a vehicle that won’t start. But how can you tell when it’s time for a new car battery from your Ford dealership? There are several signs that your battery may be nearing the end of its life.
Your Car Doesn’t Start As Easily as It Used To
Does it seem more difficult to start your vehicle? If it takes a couple of tries to get your engine to turn over, or if your engine shuts down soon after your start, your battery may be declining. The battery provides the power to start your engine, and starting can become difficult if the battery is holding less of a charge.
If you have to frequently resort to jump-starting to get the vehicle going, that’s another sure sign that your battery needs to be checked out and possibly replaced.
Your Battery Looks and Smells Bad
It’s a good idea to pop the hood of your vehicle and check your battery out every once in a while. If your battery case appears swollen or bulging, it may be about to rupture.
And if your battery is emitting the unpleasant smell of rotten eggs, your battery may be emitting sulfuric acid and need replacement. Sulfuric acid is a fire hazard, and it can cause other types of damage to your car, so you’ll want to act quickly to replace the battery.
Your Dashboard Light Is On
Sometimes it’s easy to miss the cues that your battery is starting to decline. Life has a way of getting busy, and maybe you hadn’t noticed that your car was slowly becoming more difficult to start. Fortunately, most vehicles today have a dashboard warning light that comes on if there’s an emerging battery or starting issue.
That warning light doesn’t always mean that you need a new battery, but it does mean that you need to get your battery checked out. The next time that light comes on, schedule an appointment with our service department.
Your Headlights and Other Electrical Functions Seem Weaker
In addition to providing the power to start your engine, your battery also powers a host of other electrical functions on your vehicle, including the headlights, cabin lights, windshield wipers, and the stereo system. If your lights don’t seem as bright, or if those other electrical functions seem sluggish, you may need to have your battery checked out.
We can quickly and easily test your battery and determine if it’s time for a new one. When you’re ready to schedule your next service appointment, give us a call at Courtesy Ford Lincoln.
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