There’s never a convenient time for a car battery to die. Regardless of where you’re heading, the last thing you want to hear when you attempt to start your Chevy is a clicking ignition. But with proper care and regular maintenance, you shouldn’t ever have to experience that dreadful, unexpected sound for yourself.
Here at Jim Glover Chevrolet, we believe the best way to handle a dead battery is to prevent it from dying in the first place. In addition to staying on top of your regular maintenance, you should be paying attention to your Chevy vehicle as often as you can. Modern Chevrolet models are marvels of engineering packed full of advanced technologies, all of which rely on a steady, healthy flow of power. If your battery is nearing replacement, your Chevy will usually try to tell you — as long as you know what to look for.
So today, we’ve put together a list of the primary warning signs that your Chevy battery is nearing the end of its life.
Slow or Struggling Engine Starts
Without a doubt, the most common indicator of a failing battery is a slow or sluggish start. In other words, if it sounds like your engine is struggling to turn over any time you turn the key or push the start button. If this cranking process is taking longer than usual or sounds labored, the cold cranking amps (CCA) in your battery are likely dropping. You’re much more likely to notice this during the first start of the day.
Dimming Lights & Electrical Glitches
While we most often associate car batteries with the engine, that’s not the only thing your Chevy battery is powering. In addition to starting the engine, it also stabilizes the power for all of the electronics found throughout the vehicle. If you notice that your headlights look a bit dim or yellow when idling, but then they brighten up when you rev the engine, it means your battery is struggling to hold a charge. Here are some other examples of electrical glitches that typically mean your battery is nearing replacement:
- Power windows moving slower than usual
- Digital screens flickering, resetting
- Heated seats taking longer to warm up
Dashboard Warning Light
While struggling starts might be the most common, the battery-shaped icon on your dashboard lighting up is probably the most obvious. Even still, many drivers overlook this literal indicator, which tells you that there is either an issue with the battery itself or its charging system — also known as the alternator. If this warning light stays illuminated while you’re driving, then it’s time to schedule a service appointment at your earliest convenience.
Corrosion or Bloating
If you happen to pop your hood and take an actual look at the battery itself, you might notice corrosion around the terminals. Corrosion has the appearance of white, blue, or greenish buildup and can interfere with your battery’s ability to deliver power. Similarly, you might notice that the battery casing appears to be bloated or swollen. While corrosion can be cleaned, bloating means that the battery is compromised and can be dangerous if left unaddressed. You should immediately schedule an appointment and avoid driving your Chevy if this ever happens.
Unusual Odors
There are all kinds of unusual odors to look out for when driving a vehicle, but if you’re worried about your battery the smell to look out for is rotten eggs or sulfur. If you catch this smell while the hood is open, then it likely means your battery is venting acid and might be damaged. This should also be addressed as soon as possible, as the corrosion from those fumes can damage other components of your engine.
Service Your Battery at Jim Glover Chevrolet
Generally speaking, most automotive batteries have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years. The fluctuating temperatures known to occur here in Tulsa can shorten that window, as can other driving habits or conditions. Once you pass that three-year mark, it’s a good idea to have your battery tested annually. We’d be happy to take a look at your battery or give you a full multi-point inspection, just schedule an appointment here at Jim Glover Chevrolet. If you have any questions about your battery or your Chevy as a whole, don’t hesitate to reach out to us right here at the service desk.