When you think of the most crucial part of your vehicle, the battery is usually one of the first components that comes to mind. Your car battery starts the engine and runs all the electrical devices as well – essentially making it the lifeline of your vehicle.

The average lifespan of a car battery is two to five years, with different factors affecting its life. Your battery may exhaust sooner than you expect. A few reasons why your car battery may die earlier:

·        Prolonged exposure to extreme heat, cold, or humidity.

·        The car has been idle for a long time.

·        You take frequent short trips.

·        You forget to turn off your lights.

Luckily, there are a few signs to spot issues with your car battery. Read my top six pointers to figure out if you need servicing or car battery replacement:

1. The Engine Starts Slower Than Usual

If your engine takes longer than usual to start, it might be time to get your battery recharged or a car battery replacement. The battery is responsible for generating enough charge to start the vehicle. With time, your car battery’s components wear out, making the battery weaker and less effective in starting your engine quickly.

2. The Engine Isn’t Starting at All

The next step after a slow-starting engine is your car completely refusing to power up. If you can hear the familiar crank that accompanies engine ignition, but your car doesn’t start, you most likely need a car battery replacement. Visit a reputable car servicing workshop in Brisbaneto get the battery checked. The experts there will determine if they can repair the battery, or if they have to swap it with a new one.

3. Your Car’s Electrical Systems Aren’t Working Properly

Your car’s battery is the power source for all the electrical systems of the vehicle. These include the radio, the headlights, the dashboard screen, etc. A dying battery won’t be able to keep running all these extras at maximum efficiency. If you notice your car’s lights dimming or sense other electrical issues, visit your auto electrician. You may needa car battery replacement if servicing or recharging does not fix the problem.

4. An Unusual Looking Battery Exterior

If you see your car battery is swollen, cracked, or has leaks around the compartments, immediately take your vehicle to a car servicing center in Brisbane. Changes in the shape or appearance of your battery means it isn’t working normally and may not be safe. Usually, exposing the battery to extreme cold or heat can cause deformation. Similarly, if the battery is too old and does not function properly, its cells enlarge and cause swelling or bulging. In either case, you will need a car battery replacement as soon as possible.

5. A Horrible Smell When You Open the Bonnet

The car battery can leak gas due to damage or a short circuit. The released gas smells like rotten eggs. If you smell it once you lift the hood, visit your auto electrician. Chances are you will need a car battery replacement.

6. You See Corrosion on Battery Terminals

Terminals, or connectors, are the metal connections on top of your vehicle battery that act as the positive and negative end. If you take a look at your battery and notice its connectors covered in an ashy white substance, it means you have corroded terminals. A corrosion problem warrants a trip to the nearest car servicing Brisbane. Most likely, you will have to get the battery serviced, and if your battery condition is worse, you need a complete car battery replacement.