Does Your Chevy Need a New Car Battery?

A good battery is essential for your car, as it provides the power to start your engine. The battery also maintains your Chevy’s electrical system when your car is stationary. A car battery has a limited life, and it will last for 3 to 5 years before it needs replacement. As your Chevy dealer, we can test your battery, and fit a new car battery when you need one. These are a few signs your battery is failing.

Signs You Need a New Car Battery From Your Chevy Dealer

Your Lights Are Dim

The battery supplies power for the headlights, interior lights, alarm, and other systems when your engine isn’t running If you get in your car and see your interior lights are dim, your battery could be failing. As your battery ages, it becomes slower to recharge, and its recharging capability falls too.

You can check if the battery is the cause of the dim lights by noting how bright they are and then switching on the engine. If the lights are brighter when the engine is running, your battery could be failing. When the engine is on, the alternator is powering the lights. Our technicians can test the battery using our specialized battery tester. If your battery is weakening, we can fit a new one for you.

Your Battery Is Corroded

Corrosion on your battery is a sign that the battery is failing. Corrosion occurs due to the chemical reactions inside the battery. Your battery contains sulfuric acid and other chemicals, and these chemicals react to allow your battery to retain a charge and recharge. The chemicals, however, break down as they work. When sulfuric acid breaks down, it releases hydrogen gas.

Hydrogen gas molecules are small enough to escape the battery. Once inside the engine, they join with sulfur molecules to create hydrogen sulfide. This toxic and corrosive gas is drawn to the negative and positive battery terminals. It will form an acidic salt on these terminals and gradually eat through them. You can temporarily clean corrosion, but it will always return. If your battery is corroded, it needs to be replaced.

Your Battery Is Misshapen

Most types of car batteries are rectangular, although a few types are square. If you pop the hood and your battery looks distorted, there’s a problem. Extreme heat or cold can cause your battery to bulge, as it increases pressure on the chemicals inside the battery.

A distorted battery is a problem, as it’s a sure sign that battery is failing. if your battery shows any signs of distortion, come in and see us ASAP so our technicians can check it for you.

If your battery is showing signs of failing, call us right away at Crain Chevrolet.

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