Common Car Battery Problems and How to Handle Them

Car Battery Issues

• A Slow Start: One of the most common car battery problems is a vehicle that is slow to start. While the battery is often the culprit, that is not always the case. This issue could be due to a failing alternator as well. 
• Regular Jump-starts: If you need to jump-start your vehicle frequently, you will most likely need to replace the battery soon. Older batteries often struggle to hold a charge. However, a drained battery could be due to something as simple as leaving the lights on overnight. 
• Corrosion: If your vehicle struggles to turn over, check the battery to see if corrosion is present. Too much corrosion can lower the voltage of the battery, causing it to operate less efficiently. 
• Low Battery Fluid: Battery fluid is a mixture of distilled water and sulfuric acid. The sulfuric acid helps create electricity in your car. In some batteries, that fluid may evaporate, and not having enough battery fluid could cause electrical issues such as flickering headlights. 
• Age: As mentioned above, if your vehicle is around five years old or older, it may not be able to hold a charge as it once did. 

Car Battery Troubleshooting Tips 

• Wondering how to tell if the battery or the alternator is causing your vehicle to start slowly? If it’s the battery, you will likely notice other car battery issues such as difficulty starting in cold temperatures, cabin lights that won’t illuminate, or that the vehicle runs only after receiving a jump-start. 
• If corrosion is the issue, carefully and safely clean the battery. Look for leaks once the corrosion has been cleared. If the battery is leaking, it should be replaced. 
• If your headlights dim or flicker or your car struggles to turn over, see if the battery fluid is low. If this is the case, topping off the fluid should fix the problem. 

Learn How to Fix Common Car Battery Problems with Holman

If you are still having trouble with your battery after trying our car battery troubleshooting tips, reach out to us today to learn how to fix common car battery problems. We can also take care of car battery issues at any one of our service centers across the country. Contact us today for more information.