A car cannot run without a well-functioning battery. A glitch here or a crack there can lead to major breakdowns. Causing inconveniences, delays and whatnot.
Now, a car battery has an important role to play. It revs the engine and allows the vehicle to start. So, if a minor part in the battery corrodes, it’ll disrupt the entire process. Making it a challenging task to start the engine.
So, there are various minor problems associated with the battery, thanks to its delicate nature. Above all of that, replacing a battery is quite the expense. Unless it’s necessary, it isn’t a popular choice. So, let’s take a look at the common battery problems that can be dealt with in a jiffy. Ensuring no disruptions and interventions.
Car Battery Issues and Fixes
Car battery problems are results of damage and mishandling. Neglect leads to larger problems, thus bigger bills. So, understand the ABCs of battery issues to keep grave dangers away.
1.Battery Overheating
Is the battery light ticking on your dashboard? It may be a sign of the battery overheating. Try inspecting the temperature of your battery. If it’s too hot, you’ll be assured that the car battery is overheating. It is often the result of extreme external temperatures, making it difficult for the battery to retain power. Thus, overworking its components. While there may be multiple causes that lead a car’s battery to overheat, solutions are rather limited.
Quick Fix
- Inspect battery voltage. If it is above 14.7 volts, it’s a red flag. Detach the battery for a while.
- Install a voltage regulator to always keep it in check.
- Using the correct type of charger is very crucial to the battery’s performance.
2. Cold Temperature Draining Battery
It is normal for batteries of all sorts to drain faster in colder temperatures. Especially in colder countries, it’s a big issue. Such conditions keep increasing over time. So, if your car battery is old, it’ll be more likely to drain all power.
While it may not have any major effects initially, the car’s performance will weaken altogether. So, if your car has an old battery and it cannot sit in cold temperatures at all, it’s time to get it replaced.
Quick Fix:
- If the problem isn’t your battery’s age, you could get a car battery blanket installed. It is more helpful for people residing in colder countries.
- Another hack is to increase the engine cranking amp or the CCA (Cold Cranking Amps).
- Battery maintainers are significantly useful in this case. It keeps your car from draining charge after the temperature starts dropping below -17°C (0°F).
3. Car Battery Won’t Charge
Keep failing to charge your car’s battery and the only thing it does is deplete? There could be multiple reasons. Your car’s battery charger could be of low quality; the power supply may be affected or maybe it’s just depleting fast. Each has a different solution. Follow through.
Quick Fix
- Until the alternator reaches the 1000 rpm mark, keep driving. Very frequent short drives tear down a battery’s longevity.
- Get a tested charger. Inspect it thoroughly before the purchase.
- Sometimes, if the battery’s terminals have corroded, it results in charging issues. So, try wiping off any dirt buildup to avoid further damage. Secure the connections with care. Then, try to charge it again.
- If the problem persists, it’s time to say goodbye to the old battery.
- Replace it with a new high-quality car battery to ensure efficient performance.
4. Old Battery
The signs of an old battery will show up in many ways. It’ll take an enormous effort to start the engine charge the battery and do all the things a battery must perform efficiently. Essentially, a battery has a shelf life of 3-4 years. If your battery begins to bulge or smell foul, the battery must have gotten old.
Quick Fix:
- The only fix to it is getting a car battery replacement.
- Ensure that you have trained mechanics taking care of the business.
Read More:
How to Check and Replace Your Car Battery
5. Using Too Many Car Accessories
Another thing that wrecks battery performance is using too many gadgets. Excessive usage of appliances like mobile chargers, air conditioners, heater and speakers can lead to slowed battery performance. Thus, minimizing the battery’s longevity. It may also adversely affect the coolants, causing a whole new problem.
Quick Fix:
- The best way to go around this issue is to use one thing at a time.
- If it’s too hot and you need the A.C., ensure your phones are charged before the drive.
6. Corrosion and Other Battery Fluid Problems
If the car battery fluid is not at its optimum, it will result in poor vehicle performance. Taking longer than usual to start the engine or other electrical mishaps— poorly managed battery fluid can cause it all. To top it off, if there’s not an organized flow, there are chances of corrosion. Too much dirt plays against the well-being of the car’s battery terminals.
Quick Fix:
- Keep the battery terminals clean. Maintain a regular routine of cleaning and wiping off any remaining dirt buildup.
- After cleaning the battery, secure all connections. Any loose connection may reflect in vehicle performance. It may also prevent your car from starting combustion.
- Inspect the distilled water levels. Whenever needed, top it off with some more.
- Refill only using distilled water.
7. Excessive Battery Drainage
It’s not too hot or cold but your battery still won’t eat up all the charge? Signs of a flat battery. We don’t know what it is that is draining your battery’s power. So, first things first— examine the causes.
Quick Fix
- Take the help of a multimeter. It will help you find out which electrical component is draining the battery charge.
- Once you locate the root cause, get in touch with automobile experts.
- They will take good care of your car and its battery’s components.
- Check your car alarm system. A rogue alarm system affects the battery adversely when at rest. Thus, draining all charge.
- Check the relay switch. If it’s damaged, replace it.
8. Battery Keeps Dying
Whenever you’re on the go, your battery starts giving up. If you notice this happening to your car’s battery, get a new alternator installed. A dying battery is the first sign of a faulty alternator. It may even show up in the form of a blinking light on your dashboard.
Quick Fix:
- Call a mechanic because not everyone is skilled enough to replace a faulty alternator.
- The mechanic will examine and locate the faulty part and replace it with a new alternator.
The Final Word
A battery works on a fundamental mechanism. It supplies power to the engine when it is turned off. However, when the car is on the move, the alternator gives back power to the battery, recharging it. This to- and-fro mechanism is often affected by other electrical components, battery fluid, and even the environment, too. Some issues are easy to manage, while others require expert vehicle repair supervision.
Unless the battery is old and dead, there are ways to revive it back to life. Find out how in the above blog and apply the same to make your life easier!
