Sulfuric acid and lead are how car batteries work. Your car’s battery likely has six cells, which are actually lead plates, that are immersed in a combination of sulfuric acid and water. These elements create a chemical reaction that takes the chemical energy and turns it into electricity. Your vehicle uses this electricity for many reasons. Eventually, this chemical reaction dies when the battery is too old. Here are signs you’ve got an old battery that needs to be replaced.
Hard Starts
It is difficult to get your automobile started if the battery is not producing the chemical reaction needed to create electricity. Consequently, you may have to jump-start the battery only to have it die again if it cannot retain a charge. Frequent jump-starts are a sign that you need a new battery.
Battery Light
Your car, truck, or utility vehicle may tell you that it needs a new battery. The main computer chip may turn on the battery light and leave it on. If this light remains on, you either need a new battery or a new alternator. We can handle either problem at our shop.
Slow Accessories
You may also notice that your accessories have slowed down. It may take a long time for your power windows to close. You may have difficulty adjusting your power seats. You may have problems with your navigation system or radio. All of these things can point to the battery.
Corrosion
If you pop the hood and take a look at your battery, you do not want to see corrosion on the battery terminals. If you do, the battery is leaking the sulfuric acid that is inside of it. Unfortunately, we cannot repair a leaking battery. We have to replace it.
Rancid Odors
Another sign that your battery is leaking is rancid odors around the battery. These odors smell like rotten eggs. Unfortunately, sulfuric acid smells like rotten eggs. This is definitely a sign that your battery is leaking the acid inside of it.
Misshapen Case
Finally, we mentioned above that the chemical reaction can go bad in an old battery. When this happens, you may end up with a battery case that is cracked or warped. You may also end up with a battery case that is bubbling on the surface.
If any of these things are the case, head straight to our shop so we can replace your car’s battery. We don’t want you to get stranded with a dead battery and a dead engine.
