Is My Car Battery Dead?

If you are having problems with your car, you might be wondering, "Is my battery dead?" Your car's battery is a very important part of your car and with out a properly working battery, you won't be able to use your car. However, you can usually figure out if your car troubles are due to a dead battery if you have noticed some of the warning signs. If you haven't noticed any of the warning signs, don't immediately rule out a dead battery! Getting your voltage checked or having one of Wrench's mobile mechanics come diagnose your car problems is your best bet.

Warning Signs For A Dead Car Battery

• Your Battery Is Old
  Unfortunately car batteries don't last forever. Most car batteries are good for 4 or five years. This number can change due to a variety of other factors such as the weather. If your car is exposed to extreme temperatures, it probably won't last as long.
  Another factor that can affect your batteries lifespan is your driving habits. If you live in a busy city with a lot of stop and go traffic, that could slowly wear out your battery. Driving at a constant speed for a significant amount of time will recharge your battery, helping it last a little longer. Generally, you would want to get your battery checked out around the 4 year mark to see how it's doing.  
• The Warning Light Is On
  Most cars will warn you if your battery is dying. If you look at your dashboard, you might see an icon that looks like a battery. If that light is on, don't ignore it! It might be a simple fix, but odds are there is a large problem at hand that only a professional can diagnose. You should make it a priority to get your battery checked out before you find yourself stranded.
• The Radio Won't Turn On
  If you turn your key and your radio doesn't turn on, you might just think of it as an inconvenience. However, electrical problems like this could be a warning sign that something is wrong with your battery. You can also try to see if the windshield wipers or headlights turn on. All of these systems should be working and if they are not, you should get it checked out as soon as possible.
• Slow Engine Crank
  When you turn your key, it shouldn't take too long for your engine to turn on. However, if it is slow, this could mean that there's an issue with your battery. You engine uses your battery every time your car starts, so if your engine is slow to start, get it checked out. You want to make sure you get it checked out as soon as possible because you may find yourself stuck somewhere with a car that won't start at all.
• Swollen Battery
  If you pop your hood and look at your battery, it shouldn't be swollen at all. If it looks swollen, that could be another sign that your battery is dying or already dead. Because your battery works through a series of chemical reactions, things can happen that ruin the reactions, making it so your battery won't work. This usually happens in places with extreme weather conditions. If this is the cause of your bad battery, you will need a replacement as soon as possible.
• Dim Headlights
  Along with headlights that won't turn on at all, if they are dimmed then it could be a sign that you battery is dying. Although this may mean that you just need to replace your lights, it could also be something much bigger. If you notice any other of these signs with this,
• Smelly Battery
  Now, your car battery isn't supposed to smell, but if you notice a foul smell coming from your battery, that could be a sign that it's dying if it isn't dead already. As soon as you notice this problem, you need to get it fixed because it means that there's a sulfuric acid leak and this could ruin other parts of your car. If you wait too long to get this fixed, your wallet will really start to hurt. So be proactive!
• Clicking Sound
  If you notice a clicking sound when you turn your keys, that's another sign of a dying or dead battery. The reason this happens is because your battery doesn't have enough power to start. Sometimes, you can try to leave your car and come back later to see if it will work, but if it's completely dead then that won't help.

What Can I Do If My Car Battery Is Dead?

If you determine that your battery is dead, you will need to get it replaced. This can often be a huge inconvenience, so book an appointment with Wrench! Our skilled mobile mechanics can come right to your location to replace your battery so you can spend your time doing whatever you need to do. You won't need to waste hours and hours of your day waiting for your car to be fixed! Give us a call and we will get your battery replaced as soon as possible!