Car Battery Problems

The battery is an important part of the electrical setup of an automobile. Over time, its performance tends to degrade, resulting in problems. A few types of batteries demand maintenance and regular servicing in order to function as expected, while maintenance-free ones need a direct replacement.

There are many problems that can arise due to a bad battery. Let us discuss why the battery degrades, what problems arise due to a defunct or weak battery, and what can be done to avoid or solve them.

The battery may turn bad if you have shifted from a location of hot climate to a place which is quite freezing. If the car remains in a freezing atmosphere for a substantial amount of time, it possibly may not work. In such a case, the amount of power required will exceed the amount of power available in the battery.

Another cause for a bad battery is the wear and tear that it has gone through till present. This includes the charge and discharge cycle, which is a major reason for battery weakening.

The battery will also perform inefficiently if it has been subjected to physical damage due to a car accident or any other reason. Any crack in the battery can result in the acid leaking out.

Similarly, there are other reasons for a weak or bad battery, such as improper fitting and overcharging.

The main symptoms of a battery being weak are the headlights turning dim or the engine not starting. If the headlights lose their brightness soon after they are switched on, this means that there is some problem with the battery.

If you turn the key for starting the car and there is a clicking noise, this simply means that the ignition system is functioning fine, but the battery does not have the required power. The air conditioner or heater will also not work up to their best, if the battery power is low.

To avoid battery problems in your vehicle, do a periodic check on the cables and terminals for any dirt or chemical accumulation. Check for battery corrosion or loose connections, which are one of the main reasons for the battery not being able to hold the needed power.

If you find any dirt or accumulation on the terminals and cables, immediately wipe it off with a cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water. To get optimal performance from the battery, you need to make sure if it is being properly charged, as both overcharging and undercharging can cause harm.

In case of a maintenance-free battery, the indicator light will inform you when you need to get a replacement. If your car has a normal battery, you are required to use distilled water to fill the battery cells. Diagnosing a battery that runs down can be done by using a digital multimeter or just checking for a leak.

Those wondering how to replace the battery need to know that this is a pretty simple task and can certainly be done as a do-it-yourself project. You do not even require any tools.

Locate the battery, remove the terminal cables, clean the dirt and battery terminal corrosion if any, install the new battery, connect terminal cables, and check if it works. Make sure you connect the positive and negative points to the terminal properly.