5 Signs You Need a New Car Battery in Melbourne

 

A car battery is one of those parts of your vehicle that you don't really think about...until it fails. And when it does fail, it always seems to happen at the most inopportune time. If you're lucky, a dead battery will happen when you're parked in your driveway. But if you're not so lucky, it could happen when you're out on the road, far away from home. 

The good news is that there are some warning signs that can let you know that your battery is on its last legs. By being aware of these signs, you can replace your battery before it fails and leaves you stranded. Here are five of the most common signs that you need a new car battery in Melbourne.

1. Your Car Takes Longer to Start Than Usual

One of the first signs that your car battery is about to die is that it takes longer to start than usual. If you turn the key and there's a delay before the engine finally turns over, it's a good indication that your battery doesn't have the power it used to. This is because as batteries age, they lose their ability to hold a charge as well as they once did. 

2. Your Car's Lights Are Dimming or Flickering 

Another sign that your battery is starting to fail is dimming or flickering lights. If you notice that your headlights or dashboard lights are dimming when idling or starting up, it means that your battery isn't able to provide enough power to run all of your car's electrical components. In some cases, you might also see the lights inside your car flickering or dancing around - this is also an indication that the voltage delivered by your battery isn't stable. 

3. Your Car Is Making Strange Noises 

If you start hearing strange noises coming from under the hood of your car - like hissing, clicking, or whining - it could be a sign that something is wrong with your battery terminals. When corrosion builds up on the terminals, it can cause all sorts of weird noises. If left unchecked, this corrosion can eventually lead to a complete loss of power and leave you stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery. 

4. You Notice corroded Battery Terminals 

Speaking of corrosion, if you pop open the hood and take a look at your battery terminals and notice any corrosion build-up, it's definitely time for a replacement. Corrosion happens when acidic gases escape from the battery and settle on the terminals. Over time, this corrosion will eat away at the terminals and reduce connectivity between the battery and your car's electrical system - which can cause all sorts of problems ranging from decreased performance to complete power loss. 

5 . Your Check Engine Light Is On 

In some cases, external symptoms like dimming lights or strange noises might not be apparent until it's too late and your car has already died on you. That's why one of the best ways to know if your car needs a new battery is if the check engine light comes on - meaning there's already been some sort of electrical failure within your car's system. If this happens, it's best to get to a mechanic as soon as possible so they can diagnose the problem and let you know whether or not you need a new battery.

Car batteries are one of those parts of your vehicle that you don't really think about...until it fails and leaves you stranded somewhere. By being aware of these five signs that indicate a failing car battery, however, you can replace yours before it completely dies on you. And trust us - replacing a battery is much easier (and cheaper) than being stranded on the side of the road!