Procedure To Detect And Replace A Car Battery

The battery of a car is one of the most important components of the vehicle. It powers the vehicle's electrical system, which helps to power the engine of the car. Suppose it is early in the morning, and you are heading towards work, but suddenly, your car fails to start. This is the time you realize that your battery needs to be replaced. Consistency in maintaining your car battery and by having an idea about the signs of a bad battery, you can replace it at the correct time to avoid any inconvenience. Let us look at the possible causes of battery malfunction. 

Possible Causes of a Dead Battery

Age of the battery 

A possible cause of a dead battery of a car is the age of the battery. The majority of cars use a lead-acid, multicell battery to run the car engine. As per Car Battery Replacement Plymouth, each cell is filled with a diluted form of sulphuric acid and lead. With the increasing age of the battery, there is a natural process that the battery undergoes, and it is known as sulfation. Sulfation is the process in  which negative plates inside the car are coated with sulfate crystals. These small particles can build up inside, and it highly affects the capacity of the battery, thereby preventing the battery from delivering power to the desired location in order to start the car engine. If your car engine is not starting properly and the age of the battery is between two and five years old, then this might be the reason. Moreover, it could also signify that the car requires a battery replacement. 

Car Charging system

Sometimes, a dead battery might be indicated via a faulty charging system. For instance, you might be driving your car, and then you suddenly notice that the warning indicator comes on while driving. This is a sure sign that there is a problem with your car battery. Moreover, it can also lead to the malfunction of your car’s charging system. It is better to go to a professional for a routine check of your vehicle. It allows you to know if your serpentine belt, alternator belt, battery cable, and terminator and alternator are functioning properly or not. 

Battery defect

As per Car Battery Replacement, a dead battery could be caused by defects in the automobile’s battery system itself. Moreover, if your vehicle or the battery is new, and you are still facing the issue of a dead battery, then it is better to take your car for a check-up. The professionals would conduct a test to determine whether your battery has any internal defects or not. 

Corrosion on Battery Terminals

A dead battery in your favourite vehicle could also indicate corrosion on the battery terminals. These posts are the source of connectivity to the rest of the charging system. Sometimes there is a build-up of white ashy deposit between the battery cables and the terminal posts. These build-ups can cause a significant reduction in the flow of power that affects the functioning of the vehicle. There is a small remedy that you can perform at home to remove the corrosion, i.e., by using a brush and baking soda. However, if the same build-up keeps occurring, then it might signify that it's time for you to replace either the battery cables, terminals, or the battery itself. 

Some Signs that Signify that Your Battery needs to be Changed

Clicking sound when turning on the engine: As per Car Battery Replacement, any sound while turning on your engine is not a good sign. This is because it might indicate a low-battery issue or even a non-functional or rather a dead battery that has possibly resulted due to a bad alternator. In both cases, you need to jumpstart your vehicle in order to visit a professional service provider like MOT Test, to check whether it is time for replacing the battery. 

Engine cranking sound: If you hear a cranking sound when you turn on your engine, then it might be due to a dying battery. So the moment you hear something like this, you should be ready to take your vehicle for a checkup, or else you might be in an unforeseen situation if your vehicle suddenly stops working.

Swollen case of the battery: If you face any difficulty while driving in extreme conditions, like during a heatwave or harsh winters, then it is better to pop the hoods and check your battery.  This is because whenever your car battery is exposed to extreme temperatures, then your car battery can swell, thereby resulting in the expansion of the battery case. In such a scenario, it is better to not take any risk and take your vehicle for a battery replacement. Moreover, it is recommended to not drive your car in such a situation and tow your vehicle to a professional service provider. 

In conclusion, a car battery can last up to three to five years. Moreover, it depends on various factors like the driving conditions, the prevailing weather conditions, the quality of the battery, etc. As per MOT Test Plymouth, you should be more mindful of the common symptoms that signify that it's time for you to take your vehicle for a checkup.