TIRE TIPS

When to Replace Your Car's Battery: Winter Warning Signs to Watch For

Car batteries can expire or malfunction over time for numerous reasons. Exposure to extreme temperatures, including cold weather in winter, causes batteries to fail. Canada is known for having heavy snowfall in winter, leading to cold temperatures that can negatively affect your car batteries, alternator, and the charging system. In addition, your car battery age can also lead to battery failure, especially if it is the last leg of its lifespan.

Dead batteries cannot provide enough power for the alternator, affecting all the electrical components in your vehicle. Luckily, several warning signs help mechanics and car users know when to replace dead batteries during winter. Read on to know the telltale signs of a dying battery.

Signs Your Car Battery Requires Replacement

There are several signs that show your car’s battery life is almost up. Learning warning is vital to prevent sudden breakdowns during long or short trips. When you notice the following telltale signs, call your mechanic ASAP.

Sulfuric Smell

The rotten egg odour is one of the most common signs of a dying battery. The sulfuric smell indicates the battery case is damaged, leading to the terrible smell. The battery can break or malfunction due to extreme temperatures. The rotten egg smell can range from mild to strong, depending on the severity of the battery issue.

Dim Headlights

Dim headlights indicate a dying battery. Headlights are consistently bright when your car batteries are in perfect condition. Do not overlook dimming interior lights because they indicate a failing battery. Taking the car to a repair shop ASAP helps pinpoint the issue and ensures a new car battery replacement is on time.

Corroded Batteries

You need to invest in a new car battery after you notice the existing one rusting. It is easy to tell your car battery is rusting when performing regular car checkups and tune-ups, changing engine oil, or during a sudden breakdown. If you suspect any battery problems, check the battery terminals for corrosion. Technicians at your preferred auto repair shop will install a new battery in your vehicle if the last one has severe corroded parts.

Battery Warning Lights

Sometimes, the dashboard or warning lights indicate battery problems, requiring instant car battery replacement. You might also notice the check engine light warning sign on your dashboard.

Malfunctioning Electrical Parts

A dead battery can affect the performance of your vehicle’s electrical systems. Batteries power your car’s windows, locks, and other electrical components. When you realize the malfunctioning windows, locks, and dashboard lights, it shows a dying or weak battery at the end of the battery’s lifespan.

Conclusion

When you notice one or more of the above warning signs of a dying battery, it’s time to replace a new car battery. Your auto repair expert can use jumper cables to fix mild battery problems, jump-start the vehicle, or crank the engine when testing the functionality of your battery. For a dead battery, the professional gets a new battery to replace the old one and ensures the battery terminals are in perfect condition.

Call TreadNation for Professional Help!

Stop at TreadNation for top tier tire services. We offer free tire rotation and storage. Our organization has a program that sells affordable winter and all-season tires. You can also enjoy discounts on oil changes and filter replacements.