Four Signs a Car Battery Might Be Failing

As anyone who has dealt with a dead car battery knows, it can be pretty alarming when you turn the key in the ignition or push the power button, only to hear a clicking sound, or nothing at all. It could happen in your garage or in the middle of nowhere, leaving you stranded.

Car batteries often have telltale signs that they’re about to give out. Luckily, being aware of these factors, drivers throughout the Skokie area can avoid hearing the dreaded clicking sound.

Keep reading to learn four signs of a failing battery.

The Vehicle Takes a Couple of Seconds Longer to Start

Ideally, turning the key in the ignition or pushing the power button should cause the engine to start up virtually immediately. When a battery is starting to fade, drivers may notice that it takes another couple of seconds for the engine to come to life. If this is happening to your car, it’s probably time to bring the vehicle in to Kelly Nissan for a battery inspection.

The Headlights are Dim or Flickering

A car’s headlights can offer valuable clues about the health of the battery. If the headlights seem dim when the engine is running, this often means they are not getting enough power from the battery to operate correctly. Another way to check your battery is by turning on the headlights before starting the engine. If they dim or flicker after a minute or so, it’s a sign that the battery may be failing.

The Vehicle’s Engine Acts Glitchy

If the car starts normally but then idles roughly or feels “glitchy” for several minutes, it could be a sign of a weak battery. Before the alternator takes over, the battery powers key systems in your vehicle. A low battery can’t provide enough energy, causing the engine to run unevenly.

The Battery is Getting Up in Years

It’s important to know the age of the car battery. On average, car batteries last for about 3 to 4 years, though factors such as extreme temperatures, maintenance habits, and driving frequency can affect their lifespan.

To find out the age of your car battery, pop the hood and look for the production date on the battery case. If it’s getting older, it’s a good idea to have it tested. The last thing you want is to have to jumpstart your car in the pouring rain. Instead, keep an eye on your battery and replace it when the time comes.

Kelly Nissan is Here to Help

If your battery is showing any of the signs above, it’s time to have it checked and replaced if necessary. At Kelly Nissan, our certified technicians can perform complimentary battery inspections. They’ll assess whether the car battery is still in good shape or whether it needs replacing. If it does, you can rest assured that we’ll have the right battery on hand for your Nissan vehicle.

Better yet, schedule a service to ensure your car and all its elements are in good working order. 

Contact us or schedule a service online if you’d like us to give your Nissan a once-over and get you safely on the road.