11 Warning Signs Your Car Battery is Dying

Jun 29, 2022

Car batteries are notoriously fickle and some of the most volatile parts living beneath the hood. It doesn’t take much for them to go bad, and they usually only live for a few years before needing to be replaced. But when they die, they do so in glorious fashion: Like when you’re already running 20 minutes late to work, for instance. (What a terrible way to begin your day!)

Fortunately, there are numerous, unmistakable signs that your car battery is on the verge of failing. Here are the 10 most common symptoms of a dying vehicle battery.

11. “Check Engine” Dashboard Light On

The “Check Engine” light is a catch-all warning telling you something is wrong – though it may not necessarily be something related to your battery. However, it’s the most common symptom of a bad car battery. That’s why, when you bring your vehicle into a service center near you to investigate your mysterious warning light, they’ll test the battery first.

10. Engine Turns Over… Slowly

Your car engine should kick into action virtually instantly, even when it’s the middle of winter in Kansas City. If it’s slow to start – meaning engine stuttering when turning over – the issue could be related to your battery, alternator or starter.

9. Ignition Clicks

A car engine that doesn’t turn over at all is plagued by a larger issue than a slow-to-start engine. Sometimes the engine will click repeatedly while it cranks to life, which signals that there isn’t enough power being supplied by the battery.

8. Dim Headlights

Your car’s headlights will appear duller and dimmer than normal if there’s not enough power available to keep them on. You’ll sometimes notice your headlamps adjust brightness randomly or simply not turn on at all.

7. General Electrical Problems

Radios, dashboard lights, windshield wipers, and power window controls will go to Wonkytown when the auto battery is dying. Essentially, any electrical component, feature or function that isn’t working properly could be failing because of a faulty car battery that’s on its last legs.

In rare instances, especially when your vehicle is older than dirt, your electrical problems may stem from something worse than a dead battery. If this is the case, you may want to buy or lease a new car instead of messing with repairs.

6. Corroded Battery Terminals

One of the main reasons why car batteries die is because of corrosion. Battery acid will leak out at the connectors, then harden and reduce the amount of contact between terminals and connecting points. This reduces the battery’s ability to recharge via your vehicle’s alternator.

Battery corrosion will be quite visible to the naked eye; the terminals will be caked with blue-green powder or flaky residue. In some instances, cleaning your car battery terminals with a dry rag of toothbrush can extend the life of the battery. However, if you notice battery connector corrosion, it’s usually best to consider buying a new vehicle battery, just to be safe.

5. Cold Weather

Exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period, car batteries are more likely to fail prematurely. At 32 degrees Fahrenheit, car batteries will be up to 35% weaker than normal, but they’ll try to act like they’re functioning at 100% efficiency. This will cause the battery to permanently weaken over time, until it fails completely.

If your battery freezes entirely, it could be “electrically dead.” This is almost certainly a problem that can’t be repaired or recharged, so you’ll likely need to buy a new one. However, it’s important to note that most automotive batteries are capable of withstanding temperatures as low as –76 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s unlikely that you’ll experience a frozen car battery in Kansas City.

4. Smells Bad

If you attempt to start your car and then open the hood, you may smell something similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. This is a typical sign of a leaking battery, which can be caused by old age, external damage to the battery terminals or case, or an internal short-circuit. A visit to your repair shop or auto parts store is the next step.

3. Bulging Battery Case

Extreme heat or cold will force your battery case to take on unfamiliar shapes. They may bulge and swell – this can be dangerous! – or crack, leaking battery acid out. Any automobile battery that’s not rectangularly shaped should be properly discarded (i.e., recycled – ask your auto repair or collision repair shop to help you recycle your old car battery).

2. Old Age

Most car batteries, with the exception of electric vehicle batteries, will only live for three to five years, depending on driving conditions and regional temperatures. Do you remember the last time you replaced yours? Check the battery’s manufactured date on the case; If it’s been at least four years since the battery was built, have it tested.

1. Car Accidents

Even a small front-end collision can rattle your battery cables loose or damage the battery case. You may not even realize there’s a problem right away! Your vehicle battery could die tomorrow, next week or a month down the line. That’s why it’s important to always get an inspection and estimate following a minor car crash. You never know!

Diagnosing a dead or dying battery can be difficult, leaving you flustered, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next. Is the battery in need of a jump-start because you left the lights on or door ajar overnight? Or is there a more sinister reason why your battery’s as lifeless as a doornail? In some cases, you may need to speak to an expert for assistance.

If your battery’s seemingly gone kaput, and you happen to live in the Kansas City area, visit a McCarthy service center or one of our autobody shops in Kansas or Missouri. Although we perform collision repairs, we would be happy to help you with your dead battery, alternator, spark plugs, or solenoids.

Need a tow? Call 1-800-NEW-AGAIN to request a tow truck. We’ll haul you to your nearest McCarthy Collision Centers location (Olathe, Blue Springs, Overland Park or Lee’s Summit) and take a look under the hood.

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