Drivers who have experienced the frustration of getting in the car and turning the key only to have nothing happen know that a dead car battery is a big inconvenience. Paying attention to a few simple warning signs will help you avoid the stress of having your car fail to start. The professionals at Fantastik Auto Repair in Honolulu suggest monitoring the battery as part of your regular car maintenance with these simple tips:

4 Warning Signs You Need to Replace Your Car Battery

Trouble Starting                

One of the most obvious signs that your car’s battery may be worn out is difficulty starting. All of the power needed to start your engine is produced by the car battery, so hard starts are an indicator of a faulty battery. If your engine is slow to crank, or fails to crank at all when you turn your key in the ignition, call a car maintenance specialist to check or replace your battery.

Electrical Issues                                                                        

Auto repair shops frequently field questions from customers about defective electronics, yet electrical problems in your vehicle may actually be a warning sign that you need a new battery. Your car battery isn’t just responsible for your car’s ignition. It also supplies the electricity needed to run all of the electrical components of your vehicle. If you notice your radio, dashboard lights, windshield wipers, or headlights won’t turn on or shut off unexpectedly, ask a car maintenance specialist to check your battery.

Fluid Levels Are Low   

As part of your routine car maintenance, make it a habit to check the fluid levels in your car battery. Water plays an important role in keeping your battery charged and functioning correctly. Ideally, the water level should be high enough to cover the lead plates within the battery. If the amount of fluid dips too low, this will make your battery wear out faster.

Advancing Age

Most car batteries will last up to five years, depending on conditions. Units that have been exposed to extreme temperatures, or have had a high number of deep discharges without full recharging may not last as long. If yours is more than three years old, ask your mechanic to run a battery system test the next time you bring your car in for an oil change or vehicle safety check.

If you’re ready to have your car batteries checked, contact the team at Fantastik Auto Repair. With over 40 years of experience fixing and maintaining vehicles, they’ve earned a reputation as one of Oahu’s most reliable car maintenance shops. Call (808) 842-3777 to make an appointment for your car or truck, or visit them online for information about their services.