Signs of a dead car battery
21 March 2022
Your car battery is responsible for powering your car's ignition system, radio, lights and more - and problems with your car battery can happen suddenly, leaving you in the lurch. To prevent this, there are a few key signs to look out for when checking if a car battery is dead.
Why do car batteries die?
There are numerous reasons why car batteries can go flat, but some of the most common reasons can include:
- Extreme changes in temperature
- Leaving on the radio or your car lights
- Not using your car often enough
- A car battery fault
The quickest way to solve this problem is to restart your car battery - read our guide on jump-starting your car here.
Difficulty starting the car
When your battery is going flat, you might notice that the engine starts to rev slower than usual, and the car may take longer to start. When turning the key, you may hear a clicking sound - this implies that there is not enough power to start the engine at all. If this happens, it's important not to ignore this sign, as you will most likely need to replace your battery as soon as possible.
Dashboard - battery warning symbol
The battery warning symbol on your car could indicate a failing alternator, a loose starter terminal, or even damaged cabling. This shouldn't be overlooked - a faulty charging system could leave you stranded, so ensure to have this checked over by a professional as soon as possible.
Low electrics
Your car's battery also powers the electronics inside your car, including lights, heaters, windows and more. If these elements of your car are also playing up, this could also signal issues with your battery.
How long should your car batteries last?
In ideal conditions, car batteries usually last around 3-5 years; this is if your car battery hasn?t been impacted by factors such as driving, extreme weather or electronic faults. Once your battery gets to the three-year mark, you should have battery performance check undertaken on your vehicle to be on the safe side.
Replacing your car battery with Setyres
Think your car battery could need replacing? Firstly, you will need to find out what sort of car battery you need to find out the type of battery your car needs, and this will depend on factors such as battery size, category and manufacturer requirements.
Bring your car into your local Setyres garage and our experts will be on hand to help. Alternatively, you can always get in touch with a member of our team.