Among several components that play a role in your vehicle’s operations, one of the most well-known and wide-ranging is the battery. Batteries don’t last forever, unfortunately, and there may come a time where yours needs to be replaced — and being able to spot the signs that you’re in this position is important for both your time and your wallet.
At Tip Top Transmissions, we’re proud to offer not only the best transmission services in the SLC area, but also comprehensive auto repair services to all our clients. What are some of the main signs that your battery is having issues and should be inspected by one of our professionals to see if replacement is necessary? Here are several to keep an eye out for.
Electrical Malfunctions
The battery is responsible for providing power to several electrical components in your vehicle — and if it’s not functioning properly, you may start to experience electrical malfunctions. This can manifest in a variety of ways, from dim headlights to trouble starting the engine. If you notice any sort of electrical issue while driving, it’s best to have your battery and electrical system checked out as soon as possible.
A common example here: Your vehicle’s automatic windows may start to move more slowly than usual or may stop working entirely. If this happens, it’s likely that your battery is the root cause and will need to be replaced in order to restore full function.
Slow Engine Start
If you turn the key in the ignition and your engine takes longer than normal to start up, that’s a sign that your battery may be on its last legs. A healthy battery should provide enough power for a quick and easy engine start; if yours is struggling, that’s an indication that it needs to be replaced.
Poor Cold Weather Performance
Another common sign that your battery needs to be replaced is if you notice reduced performance in cold weather. Batteries typically don’t work as well in colder temperatures, so it’s important to note that minor drops in efficiency during cold periods don’t necessarily mean that the battery needs to be replaced — but if you notice a significant drop, that’s definitely something to be concerned about.
If you live in an area with harsher winter conditions and find that your battery is regularly struggling to start your engine in the cold, it may be time for a replacement.
Swollen Battery Case
One of the more visually evident signs that your battery is failing is if the battery case itself becomes swollen. This is typically due to an issue with the battery’s cells, which can cause them to leak and lead to swelling. If you notice that your battery case is looking swollen or otherwise abnormal, don’t hesitate to bring it in for inspection — it may need to be replaced.
If you think your car battery may need to be replaced, or if you’re experiencing any other transmission or auto repair issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Tip Top Transmission. We’re here to help keep your vehicle running smoothly all year round!
Weird Smells
Smells can often be indicators of issues with your vehicle, and that extends to the battery as well. If you notice a strange smell coming from your car — particularly a sulfurous smell like rotten eggs — it’s possible that your battery is leaking acid and needs to be replaced.
This smell comes from the gasses that batteries produce when they’re not functioning properly, so if you notice it while driving, be sure to pull over and turn off your engine as quickly as possible. Once you’re safely stopped, open your hood and take a look at the battery; if you can see visible leaks, but even if not, it could be time to bring the vehicle to our team for an inspection.
Dashboard or Other Light Issues
Lights are another area where electrical malfunctions can manifest, and they can be caused by battery issues as well. If you notice that your dashboard lights are dimming or flickering, or if any other lights in the vehicle are behaving oddly, it’s possible that your battery is to blame.
Of course, there are a variety of other potential causes for light issues in a vehicle, so if you’re not sure whether or not the battery is the root of the problem, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and bring your car in for service.
Sputtering Vehicle
Whether during ignition or at certain other points while driving, if your vehicle starts to sputter or stall unexpectedly it could be a sign that the battery is failing. This often happens because the battery isn’t providing enough power to keep the engine running smoothly, so if you notice this issue it’s important to bring your car in for service as soon as possible.
In short, there are a variety of potential signs that your car battery may need to be replaced. If you notice any of the above issues, or if you have any other concerns about your vehicle’s performance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Tip Top Transmissions. We’re here to help keep your car running smoothly all year round!
Contact us not just for any of your battery needs, but also for transmissions, general auto services and many other areas. We can’t wait to hear from you!