The main sign that your car’s battery has gone bad is that it can’t start properly. If the car is squealing, whirring, and taking too long to work while you’re trying to start it, the battery might be at fault. The squealing noise is the car’s starter motor weakly trying to spin the engine’s flywheel.
-
Key function: The battery keeps your vehicle’s vital signs working, much like a heart. Its key function is basically making your car able to start and drive with all its accessories working.
The battery can weaken over time due to its natural lifecycle. However, it can also become faulty for other reasons like corroded terminals, leaking battery acid, low battery voltage, etc.
-
Safety: A faulty battery poses safety risks since it can cause the vehicle to break down unexpectedly. The battery is the power source making a vehicle start and operate, so it’s necessary for all its functions, including driving. A faulty battery can leave you stranded.
Squealing sounds
Faulty car batteries can cause squealing sounds. This is because the vehicle’s starter motor starts drawing power from the battery and spinning the engine’s flywheel. But, if the power is too low because the battery can’t provide it, the motor will repeatedly try to push the flywheel, causing a squealing sound
No start
A faulty battery won’t provide the car enough power to start. This can happen if the starter motor is trying to pull energy from the battery unsuccessfully, leading to only a squealing noise as the car is trying to start.
However, a completely dead battery might also be so weak that the car won’t make any sound as you try to start it. In some cases, only the dashboard battery light might toggle, but there are also instances where they don’t.
Other common signs
Here are other common signs that your vehicle’s serpentine belt might have slipped:
-
Battery warning light
-
No start in cold weather
-
Dim headlights
-
Electrical issues
-
Rotten egg smell
Possible fixes
-
Battery replacement: If the battery is faulty because it’s too old and it hit its life cycle, then only a battery replacement fixes the vehicle’s problems. However, if the dead battery is faulty because something else caused damage to it, it’s better to investigate.
-
Clean and attach battery cables/terminals: A faulty battery can lead to corrosion buildup on the battery terminals and cables. When a battery starts to fail, it can cause battery acid leakage or off-gassing, which can lead to the formation of a white, ashy substance around the terminals.
-
Battery hold-down replacement: A faulty battery can lead to the need for a battery hold-down replacement due to physical changes in the battery, such as swelling or leaking. When a battery begins to fail, it may overheat, causing the case to swell or warp. This can put stress on the hold-down bracket, potentially causing it to bend, crack, or lose its grip on the battery.
-
Wiring repair: A faulty battery can lead to battery and charging system wiring repair due to the potential for leaks, corrosion, and electrical issues. When a battery starts to fail, it may leak acid, which can damage the surrounding wires by corroding their insulation and connectors. Corroded wiring can result in poor electrical connections.
-
Battery cable replacement: A failing battery can lead to battery cable replacement due to corrosion, acid leaks, or electrical stress. When a battery begins to fail, it may leak acid, which can corrode the battery cables, especially around the terminals. This corrosion weakens the cables, leading to poor conductivity and potential electrical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can cause my battery to die?
Most car batteries die from regular use. However, a car battery can die for several reasons, including leaving lights or electronics on when the engine is off, a faulty charging system where the alternator fails to properly recharge the dying battery, extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) that affect battery performance, corroded or loose battery connections that prevent proper charging, and an old or worn-out battery that can no longer hold a charge.
Can you keep driving with a bad battery?
It’s possible but not advisable. A dead car battery can leave you stranded if it fails completely, as it may not have enough power to start the car the next time you turn it off. While the alternator can keep the car running once it's started, the battery is crucial for starting the engine and powering electrical systems when the engine is off.
How long does a car battery last?
A car battery typically lasts between 3 to 5 years. However, battery life can vary based on factors such as driving habits, climate, and the type of battery. In hot climates, batteries may have a shorter life due to increased evaporation of battery fluid, while in cold climates, they may struggle more during winter months.
