Tackling Common Car Battery Problems: Troubleshooting and Replacement

Most drivers have that nagging worry in the back of their mind of being stranded with their vehicle when the car battery dies. Unless you left your headlights on all night long, usually there are signs that your battery is starting to fail and needs to be replaced.

So, what are the signs of a car battery that’s going bad? How can you tell if it’s the battery, the alternator, the starter, or something else?

Your locally owned and operated NAPA Auto Parts store is here to help. Whether you need to test your battery, have to replace it, or need help with other automotive problems, our friendly and knowledgeable staff can put your mind at ease.

Top 5 Car Battery Problems

Most of the time, if a customer is coming in with a car battery problem, it’s one of the ones listed below.

Headlights Are Noticeably Dim

This can be easily overlooked but is a warning sign that your battery needs to be replaced. If your headlights are dimmer than usual, it could be a sign they aren’t getting enough power. 

While dim headlights could also be a sign of an electrical problem or a loose connection, most of the time it’s due to a dying battery.

You Need To Rev The Engine To Start

Most modern vehicles don’t need you to step on the accelerator to get it to start. If you have to rev your engine to get it to start, bring your car in to have the battery tested.

Corrosion

The last time you popped the hood of your car or truck, did you notice corrosion around the battery terminals? It’s extremely common but needs to be addressed.

Corrosion around the battery terminals or on the battery itself means it is either overcharged or leaking battery acid. Time for a new battery!

Regular Jump-Starts

Having to jump-start your vehicle once in a while because you forgot to switch off your headlights or left the door open and the interior light stayed on, draining it, shouldn’t damage your battery. 

However, regularly having to use jumper cables to get your car going means your battery life is almost at its end. Give it a jump one last time, then drive over to your local NAPA store for help.

Clicking When You Try To Turn Over The Engine

If your car makes a clicking noise when you turn it on, it’s typically either an issue with your battery or your alternator. 

If you don’t see a reason for your battery to have died (old age, leaving lights on, extreme cold weather), don’t try jump-starting your vehicle, as it can be dangerous if the alternator is the problem. 

It’s better to be safe and have your car towed either to your local NAPA AutoCare Center to confirm whether the alternator or battery is at fault.

How To Avoid Common Car Battery Problems

The best way to avoid having problems with your car battery is to be proactive. 

• Most car batteries last 3-4 years, make sure you know when yours was last replaced.
• Park your car inside a garage whenever possible during extreme heat or cold.
• If you get regular oil changes from your mechanic, make sure a battery check is always part of your service.
• Always turn off every light when you turn off and exit your vehicle.
• Don’t use electronics, heat, or air conditioning when your car is off, this will quickly drain your battery.
• Regularly check your battery terminal to make sure it is tightly secured.
• Keep the terminals clean. The corrosion is dangerous, so make sure you follow safety precautions if you decide to tackle cleaning the terminals yourself. Your local NAPA auto care store can recommend the best way to handle this.

Your Local NAPA Auto Care Store Is Here To Help

If taken care of properly, car batteries can last a long time. The key to ensuring yours lasts is being proactive and knowing the signs of a low battery and other potential car battery problems. 

If it’s time to replace your battery, the professionals at your local NAPA Auto Parts store or NAPA Auto Care Repair shop are ASE-certified and can replace it for you. We can also handle disposing of your dead car battery safely.