At Griffis Automotive Repair in Orlando, FL, we understand the importance of maintaining your vehicle to ensure it runs smoothly and reliably. One crucial component that often goes unnoticed until it fails is the car battery. Recognizing the signs of a failing battery can save you from unexpected breakdowns and inconvenient situations. Here, we’ll explore six key indicators that suggest your car battery may need replacing, leveraging our expertise in battery services and preventative maintenance.
Before diving into the signs of battery wear, it’s essential to understand what a car battery does. It provides the necessary power to start your engine and stabilizes the voltage to keep your engine running. Over time, however, car batteries degrade due to various factors, including weather conditions, driving habits, and vehicle age, necessitating eventual replacement.
When you attempt to start the vehicle, the engine cranks slowly, laboriously, or not at all. This slow crank is often the first sign that your car battery is nearing the end of its life. It happens because the battery struggles to supply the starter motor with enough current to start the engine.
The check engine light can sometimes illuminate when your battery power is weak. While this light can indicate a variety of issues, a dimming check engine light is often a telltale sign that your battery needs checking.
Most car batteries have a part of the casing that’s translucent so you can always keep an eye on your battery’s fluid level. If the fluid level falls below the lead plates — energy conductor inside the battery — it’s an indicator that the battery needs to be tested and/or replaced.
Excessive heat can cause your battery case to swell, decreasing your battery life. A swollen battery case can also change the chemical composition of the battery, making it less efficient and more likely to fail during peak operation times.
Leaking also leads to the corrosion around the posts where the positive (+) and negative (-) cable connections are located. If the battery terminals or the ends of the cables that connect to them show signs of corrosion, it can lead to poor connectivity and decrease the lifespan of your battery.
On average, a car battery lasts about three to five years. Keeping a battery longer than five years can put you at risk for a battery failure, which can occur often when you least expect it and at the most inconvenient times. If your battery is approaching the three-year mark, it’s a good idea to start shopping for a replacement.
At Griffis Automotive Repair, our ASE-certified auto technicians specialize in battery services and car maintenance. We ensure that each battery inspection and replacement is done thoroughly, with attention to detail and commitment to quality.
We offer a wide range of battery services, including testing, replacement, and recycling of old batteries. Our state-of-the-art equipment allows us to diagnose battery issues quickly and accurately, ensuring that you receive the best service possible.
Preventative maintenance is key to extending the life of your car, and it starts with the battery. Our team at Griffis Automotive Repair provides detailed assessments and recommendations based on your vehicle’s specific needs, helping you avoid future issues and unexpected costs.
Recognizing the signs of a failing car battery and addressing them promptly is crucial to maintaining your vehicle’s reliability and safety. At Griffis Automotive Repair, located at 1400 S. Bumby Ave., Orlando, FL 32806, we are committed to providing top-notch battery services and preventative maintenance to keep your car running smoothly. If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, don’t wait for a breakdown. Contact us today at (407) 896-2225 or visit our website at https://griffisautomotiverepair.com to schedule an appointment. Trust us to be your go-to auto repair shop for all your car battery needs in Orlando, FL.
