Are you wondering what are the Symptoms of a Bad Car Battery?

Are you worried about the condition of your car battery because of starting issues or dim lights?  Understanding how a car battery works might help you in diagnosing the issue.  

The typical battery is a “wet-cell” battery, a plastic cube containing sulfuric acid and lead, with two terminals on the top or side.  It stores electrical power generated from the alternator while your car is running. It also sends electrical currents to the engine and other electrical components. 

The first thing to do is to inspect the fluid level in your battery.  If the fluid is low and has been for a while, this will preclude your battery from generating power.  Then inspect the battery cables.  If the cable connections are loose or corroded, the electrical current cannot travel to from the battery to the other electrical components.

Wondering what are the symptoms of a bad car battery?

1. Your engine cranks but doesn't start.  If your engine cranks or turns over when you turn the key, but it won't start, the battery is probably the culprit.  It could be the starter, but possibly not. Even if an ammeter says the battery is good, it can still be a few volts short to start your vehicle efficiently.
2. There is no power at all to start the motor and lights don’t come on.  This is a major sign that the battery is faulty.  It could be a combination issue with the alternator not charging the battery.
3. Intermittent starting issues.  The engine may start one day, but not the next day. There are two issues to consider--the battery terminals are loose, broken, corroded, or calcified, or you have something drawing electrical power from the battery even when the key is out of the ignition.  

If you are noticing any of the signs above, ask your auto mechanic if it’s time for a car battery replacement.

Do you know the symptoms of a bad car battery? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about a car battery replacement and to make an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served car owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.