Like most parts in a car, car batteries do get old & break down, generating a myriad of problems if not fixed in time. Okay – granted, a faulty battery isn’t going to do something as terrible as bad engine oil may do for your engine, but it will strand you right before a meeting, prom night, or your first-born’s dance recital.
You don’t want to seem despicable like Gru, now, do you?
But if you are regular on car service and trust in Feldman CDJR of Clarkston for your battery-to-brake needs, we assure you that you’ll always be on time for commitments. Just keep your eyes alert for the signs of a bad car battery.
Corroded Terminals
When you have skipped out too far on a check under the hood, the battery can develop interesting growths of copper deposits on its terminals. That can also be attributed to electrolyte leaks from pressure buildup in the battery. The deposits hinder the charge, and you might find it hard to remove the battery connections to clean up the mess.
Take a pair of pliers, try to pry the connectors from the terminals & use insulated gloves with steel wool to clean the terminals. Either that or get yourself to an auto mechanic.
Low Electrolyte or Sulfation
Your car’s battery contains a liquid electrolyte to conduct the electrolysis needed to generate the charge. If your battery is acting up, it could require a refill on electrolytes. Avoid pouring tap or mineral water in because that can contaminate the process, instead, use the recommended distilled water.
If you smell the scent of eggs gone bad when you unscrew the battery tops, then it has sulfated, and a replacement is in order.
Bulging Battery Case
If you have had outstanding overheating issues with the engine, that can also affect the integrity of the electrical engine bay components & damage the battery casing. If your battery appears swollen or deformed, try to get to an auto mechanic.
Cheap mechanics will try to sell you a used battery to replace a sulfated one, but we recommend a new one to protect the integrity of your car’s components.
Warning Light is on
The most obvious sign of a weakened battery is the dashboard lights warn you something is off. The sad part is that folks don’t notice that, and things keep getting worse. The car doesn’t start because the alternator isn’t charging the battery, or the battery itself is overheating, sulfated, or leaking.
There could be many underlying reasons for a bad battery, but step away from the DIY attempts and get to a mechanic if you can’t discern them.
Electronics Are Faltering
If your car does manage to start after a series of long selfs or a jump start, that is hardly the end of your troubles. The next thing to happen will be the lagging power windows, the weak wipers, and dashboard electronics going haywire.
This could point to a faulty alternator, fried wires, a short, or your battery is simply old. Get it changed!
Feldman CDJR of Clarkston, serving Goodrich, MI, gleefully remediating battery problems, offers you service specials & authentic car parts for several reputable makes & models.
Don’t miss that recital, get your battery back in the game, and your ride running to impress that dame!
Book online for a service with Feldman’s today!
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