How Do You Know if Your Car Battery is Bad?
Have you ever rushed out the door, running a few minutes late to work, just to discover your car won’t start? There is never a convenient time for this to happen. The most common culprit is a dead car battery. Fortunately, there are some common issues that will indicate if you have a bad battery before it finally gives out entirely.
How do you know if your car battery is bad? Here are three big signs to look for:
- The engine cranks but won’t start. When you turn the key in the ignition, the engine barely turns over and the lights and accessories are very dim.
- The engine will not even crank or turn over. When you turn the key, the starter just clicks and is unable to turn the engine over. The lights and other electrical accessories do not work at all.
- Have to use jumper cables to start the engine. Even after a jump start, the battery doesn’t seem to get charged.
These signs could also indicate that some source is pulling electrical current from the battery when the ignition is turned off, such as leaving the glove box open so the light stays on all night. It could also be the sign of a faulty alternator that is unable to charge the battery even though the engine is running. A couple of other issues that are vital to remember is to keep fluid in the battery if it is required, and also to keep the battery cables clean and connected tightly to the engine and electrical components.
Have questions about a car battery replacement? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about how to know if your car battery is bad and also to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN, and Otsego, Minnesota.
Have you ever rushed out the door, running a few minutes late to work, just to discover your car won’t start? There is never a convenient time for this to happen. The most common culprit is a dead car battery. Fortunately, there are some common issues that will indicate if you have a bad battery before it finally gives out entirely.
How do you know if your car battery is bad? Here are three big signs to look for:
- The engine cranks but won’t start. When you turn the key in the ignition, the engine barely turns over and the lights and accessories are very dim.
- The engine will not even crank or turn over. When you turn the key, the starter just clicks and is unable to turn the engine over. The lights and other electrical accessories do not work at all.
- Have to use jumper cables to start the engine. Even after a jump start, the battery doesn’t seem to get charged.
These signs could also indicate that some source is pulling electrical current from the battery when the ignition is turned off, such as leaving the glove box open so the light stays on all night. It could also be the sign of a faulty alternator that is unable to charge the battery even though the engine is running. A couple of other issues that are vital to remember is to keep fluid in the battery if it is required, and also to keep the battery cables clean and connected tightly to the engine and electrical components.
Have questions about a car battery replacement? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about how to know if your car battery is bad and also to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN, and Otsego, Minnesota.
