“If only I had known earlier.” That’s a phrase we don’t want to say, but that comes to mind most often when it is too late to do anything about the situation anyway. This occurs quite often when it comes to car batteries. Because, let’s be honest, we do not tend to pay much attention to this rather important component of your vehicle.
So, if your battery is in poor condition, you need to replace it. But how will you know if it needs to be replaced. Here are a few signs to look for. Thank you to Morrey Nissan of Coquitlam for their help with this article.
- The engine is slow to start
When you turn on your vehicle, the engine takes more time than usual to start.
- There is a warning light
A warning light may sometimes appear when your battery is low. The “check engine” light may also come on.
- Battery fluid is low
Car batteries generally have an clear area on the side so that you can keep an eye on the liquid level of your battery. If the fluid level is below the lead plates (energy lines), it may be time to replace the battery.
- Swelling of the battery case:
If your battery case looks like a blown balloon, you can blame excessive heat. The result is often a decrease in the strength of your battery.
- Battery fluid leak
Here, the biggest danger is that the liquid covers the poles, preventing proper contact. It may be time to replace your battery, but sometimes a simple clean is enough.
- Age
If you’ve had your vehicle for a couple of years and you have never replaced your battery, you may want to have it tested at the dealership just to make sure everything is still in order.