Tom O'Brien CJDR - Indianapolis

Feb 18, 2022

When a car battery is weak or failing, all sorts of electric issues pop up, it will be hard to start your vehicle, and before you know it, your car will not start at all. Below are ways to tell if it’s time to get a new car battery from your Chrysler dealer before you get stranded.

Is It Time for Your Chrysler to Get a New Car Battery From Your Chrysler Dealer?

Your Battery Is Old

Batteries have a limited life cycle. In general, a car battery can last anything from three to six years. Over time batteries deteriorate, become weak, and fail. When a battery is three years old, have it tested regularly to determine if it still holds a sufficient charge and requires a replacement. You want to replace the battery before your electronic accessories start giving problems, or it becomes difficult to start your car.

You’re Struggling With Electric Issues

When your car battery loses charge and becomes weak, it will trigger your car’s battery or check engine light due to the fluctuation in voltage. Your dashboard lights and headlights will be dim, the power windows and windshield wipers will move slower, and your radio, heated seats, or sunroof might not work at all. When you see a dashboard warning light is on, get your car checked out by a qualified technician as soon as you can to avoid a breakdown.

You Notice a Build-Up Around the Terminals

It’s best to ask your technician to inspect your battery. If you see a white substance on top of the battery around the metal connections, the build-up will cause voltage issues, making it hard to start your car. You can quickly get rid of the build-up by brushing it off with a solution of water and baking soda. If the corrosion has already caused damage, you need a battery replacement.

It’s Difficult To Start Your Car

When you have a problem starting your car, it could be due to a weak battery. When the engine is cranking slower than usual and takes longer to start, a malfunctioning alternator that is not properly recharging the battery could also be the culprit.

To determine if it’s the battery or the alternator causing the problem, try to jump-start your car. If it keeps running after the jump-start, your battery is weak. If you need a jump-start more than once a week to get your vehicle going, it’s best to replace the battery before your car doesn’t start at all.

The Battery Case Is Damaged

Extreme hot or cold temperatures could cause damage to the battery case. The case could become misshapen or even crack. Replace a battery ASAP when the case is swollen, warped, or cracked to avoid leaking chemicals from eating away at other components under the hood.

You Smell a Sulfurous Odor

If you pop your head under the hood and you smell a sulfurous odor, much like the horrible smell of rotten eggs, your battery is damaged or overcharged. Leaks could form when a battery is bloated, cracked, or old, releasing hydrogen sulfide. Not only does it smell awful, but the chemical leak will also cause corrosion that could damage engine components. Act fast and replace the battery to avoid expensive repairs.

Don’t ignore battery problems to avoid electric issues and breakdowns. Inspect and get your battery tested regularly. If you experience battery issues, visit Tom O’Brien CJDR – Indianapolis today for a battery test and a range of high-quality batteries.

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