5 Signs Your Car Battery Needs Replacing

Have you experienced that moment of panic when you turn the car key and hear nothing?  You expect your car to start, but when it doesn’t, the issue is often the battery.  While the average battery lasts three to five year, its life can be affected by the local climate and your driving habits.  Don’t wait to be stranded.  Learn the warning signs so you don’t encounter an unexpected no-start situation.

🐌Your Car Starts Slowly

If your engine turns over slowly, or seems to struggle to start, your battery is likely failing.  This common issue happens because the battery can no longer deliver the full power needed by the starter.  It’s an early sign that your battery is starting to fail and a replacement is needed.

🦘Too Many Jump-Starts

If you’re constantly reaching for the jumper cables, that’s a major red flag.  A battery that is struggling to hold a charge, meaning you need frequent jump-starts, is a clear sign of impending failure.  Continuing to jump-start is only a temporary fix and not good in the long run.

💡Dimming Headlights and Electrical Issues

You might notice that the headlights and interior lights are dimmer than usual when starting your car.  If the lights stay dim while you’re driving, that’s a strong indication the battery is struggling.  Other electrical systems may also act up.  Power windows operating slower than normal or stopping completely or the radio or infotainment system cutting out or acting erratically are more signs.  These issues are caused by a battery that can no longer provide the necessary power to keep all electrical components working properly.

🪫You See Corrosion on the Battery

Extensive corrosion buildup on the battery posts is a sign that it’s time to replace your battery.  That corrosion is battery acid leaking out.  Clean connections are essential for the battery to deliver proper current and start your vehicle reliably.

🩺Battery Age

A car battery is not meant to last forever.  Typically, you can expect a lifespan of three to five years.  How long a battery might last can depend on several factors:

• Extreme temperatures can shorten the life of a battery. The heat in Spokane’s summers and the snowy, cold in higher elevations like Mt. Spokane, can make a battery work harder, causing it to have a shorter life.
• How you drive can affect your battery life. Lots of shorter trips and extended periods of no driving can lead to a reduced battery life.
• You can significantly extend your battery’s life with routine maintenance checks. If you skip services such as battery power tests or cleaning corroded posts, you risk battery failure sooner than expected.

🛠️Auto Battery Service in Spokane WA

Checking your battery is a regular maintenance item we perform whenever you have your vehicle serviced at Wendle Nissan.  Also, if it’s not time for a checkup, you can stop by for a free battery test.  We’ll make sure the connections are secure and that it’s powering up as it should.

When you choose Wendle Nissan for your battery service, you’re getting peace of mind.  Our certified technicians know what they’re doing and will ensure that your vehicle is in top condition.

📅Schedule Your Battery Service Today at Wendle Nissan

Ready for a reliable start?  Contact our Spokane service center to schedule your professional battery inspection or replacement.  For your convenience, you can book your appointment by phone or through our easy online scheduler.  Plus, don’t miss out on savings.  Review our service specials for discounts on many of your maintenance needs.