Your car’s battery plays a crucial role in reliably starting your Chevrolet every time. But as batteries age, their ability to hold a charge decreases. If you’ve been noticing any strange symptoms, it may be a sign it’s finally time for a new car battery from your Chevy dealer. Here are seven warning signs to watch out for.
Slow Cranking
One of the clearest indicators is slow cranking when you turn the key. A good battery can spin the starter motor fast enough for an immediate startup. But if your Chevy is taking longer than normal to turn over, the battery isn’t supplying enough current like it used to.
Dim Lights or Horn
As your battery wears down, you may notice lights and other electrical components like the horn starting to dim or function weakly. A battery with adequate power should be able to brighten headlights and sound the horn at full strength without trouble.
Unusual Noises
Pay attention to any new noises, like clicking or grinding, when trying to start. An aging battery may not be providing smooth power to the starter. Getting unusual sounds checked soon can prevent costly starter repairs down the road.
Battery Is Physically Damaged
Physical issues like cracked or bulging casing, terminal posts that won’t hold a charge securely anymore, or acid leakage all signal it’s time for a replacement, even if the battery voltage tests okay.
Electronic Issues and Memory Loss
Today’s advanced vehicles have computers controlling many functions. A low battery can cause various issues, like resetting the radio presets or dashboard displays. In some cases, an undercharged battery may even cause the engine computer to lose its programming, requiring a reset by your dealer.
Car Won’t Hold a Charge
The gold standard test is taking your battery to your Chevy dealer to have it load tested. This checks how well it holds a charge after recharging. If it fails the load test by not maintaining voltage under load, the internal plates are sulfated, and it’s unable to store a charge. In such cases, replacement is the only solution.
More Than 3 Years Old
As a general guideline, most auto batteries last around 3 years before losing capacity. Extreme temperatures, frequent short trips leaving it undercharged, or other hard use may shorten that lifespan. If your battery is aging, it’s time for a new one rather than risk getting stranded.
Don’t ignore these battery warning signs. An old, failing battery can suddenly leave you stranded and cause other expensive electrical issues down the road. Visit us today at Olson Chevrolet in Redwood Falls, MN for a free battery test by our certified technicians. We’ll accurately diagnose battery health and install a high-quality replacement if needed.
Image via Pixabay
Connect with us
