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The Importance of a Properly Functioning Battery

Your car’s battery can be considered the heart of its mechanical system. It starts the ignition and ultimately without it, your car cannot function. A bad or malfunctioning battery can mean many things for your car. It can put unnecessary stress on properly functioning parts of the car like the starter and charging system, and both of these are crucial to your car turning on correctly and effciently. Learn more about the importance of a properly functioning battery in the below.

What Does the Battery Do?

Your car’s battery powers the car’s headlights, taillights, and other electrical components, like interior lights and outlets. Most importantly, your car’s battery is a key component in starting and running your car. When you turn your key in the ignition or press the “Start” button, your battery is signaled to convert chemical energy into electrical energy, which the starter uses to ignite the engine and turn the car on. As most know, without a properly functioning battery, your vehicle cannot start.

How Can a Battery Malfunction?

Age is the primary factor in a malfunctioning battery. Although your car’s battery “recharges”, it does not last forever, and as it ages, it deteriorates in functionality and ability to hold a proper charge. The battery comes with an “amp hour” rating that can give you an approximate number for its predicted lifespan. Weather also plays a role in your battery’s health, and both extreme cold and extreme heat can negatively affect its functionality. Although you cannot control the age of your car’s battery, you can take steps to ensure it is being cared for properly to help extend its life. When your vehicle hits the three year mark, it is important to have your battery’s functionality tested.

How Do I Know When It’s Time for a New Battery?

There are many signs you can look for that will alert you that your battery is not functioning properly. The first and most obvious would be a sluggish start to your car. If you turn the ignition or press the “Start” button and there is a sluggish, slow, turnover from your engine, it may be time for a new battery. Your Check Engine light or Battery Fluid light may come on, or your lights may be dimmer than usual, signaling a low battery charge. You may also lift your car’s hood and notice some visible changes occurring around your battery. Excessive heat will cause the battery casing to swell and bloat, and you may not get a good response from the battery at this point. Additionally, you may notice that the battery fluid itself is leaking around the connections. A bad smell, like rotten eggs, will be emitted from a leaking battery. This can be corrosive and will need to be cleaned properly in order to keep your battery functioning properly. 

The knowledgeable team at Skip’s Garage is happy to help you diagnose a battery issue or replace an older, faulty battery. Schedule an appointment with us today to assess your car’s battery needs!