The sad-sounding click-click of an engine that won’t start is something every driver dreads hearing. As your Chevy dealer, we want to prevent you from hearing this sound. That’s why we’ve listed some signs below that you may need a new car battery from us soon. A replacement battery will remove any of these problems.
Signs You Need a New Car Battery From Your Chevy Dealer
Corroded Battery Terminals
Corrosion is a problem that affects older batteries. It’s caused by the breakdown of the chemicals in your battery. Sulfuric acid is one of the main chemicals in your battery, but as time passes, it starts to decay. Sulfuric acid releases hydrogen gas, and hydrogen molecules are small enough to escape the battery casing and float into your engine compartment.
The hydrogen molecules merge with sulfur molecules produced by the fuel in your engine. These two chemicals produce hydrogen sulfide, which has a characteristic rotten egg smell. Hydrogen sulfide is poisonous and corrosive, and it’s drawn to the battery terminals. This gas will form an acidic salt around the terminals, and start to eat them. Once corrosion has started, your battery will need replacement.
Old Battery
Your battery contains a variety of chemicals, and these chemicals enable it to store electricity and recharge. Unfortunately, the chemical reactions that allow the battery to work will eventually destroy the battery. Chemicals slowly break down, and as they do, your battery will become slower and more difficult to recharge. Its maximum charging level will also drop as the battery slowly decays.
These signs of wear will start to affect your car’s operation. Your battery is needed to provide the power to start your engine. As its recharging ability drops, it will have difficulty summoning enough power to provide the charge to the starter motor. This is what happens when you turn the key or press the button, and you hear your engine trying and failing to start.
Dim Lights
The battery supplies power to your car’s internal systems like the headlights, clock, and other accessories. This allows these systems to work when the engine is off. As a battery wears down, it will have less power to sustain these systems. If you notice your dash and interior lights seem to be dim, your battery could be failing.
You can test your battery by noting the brightness of these lights under battery power. Then turn on your engine and check the lights. If the lights are brighter, your battery is probably weak. When your engine is operating, the alternator supplies the power for all your systems. We can test your battery, and replace it if it’s wearing out.
Don’t let a worn-out battery leave you stranded. Call us at Randy Wise Chevrolet.
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