Many drivers don’t think about their car battery until the day they turn their key and find that the engine won’t start. Fortunately, if you pay attention, your battery will likely give you some warning signs that it is going to fail. If you know how to look for them, you can avoid being stranded somewhere in desperate need of new auto parts.

Auto Parts Guide to Symptoms of a Failing Battery

1. Age

The average car battery may last anywhere between four and six years. After this, it will not be able to hold a charge that is capable of starting the car and running its electrical systems. This lifespan may vary depending on how you use your battery; some conditions that may shorten its lifespan include extreme temperatures, excessive humidity, and frequent short trips.

2. Slow Cranking

When you turn the key, the engine should crank, and the car should start immediately. If your battery struggles to hold a charge, the cranking may be sluggish. You may have to turn your key a few times to get the car to start. This will often occur first in colder temperatures such as in the early morning.

3. Low Charge

If the battery is consistently holding a low charge, it won’t last much longer. You may notice that it’s struggling to fuel your electrical system, so you’ll have dim lights or your power windows may fail. You can also have your auto parts technician test the battery’s charge, so they can tell you whether it is low.

4. Swollen Battery Case

Extreme heat and cold will eventually cause a battery case to swell, and at some point, it will crack. If the battery case is no longer rectangular in shape or has cracks across its surface, then it will not work properly.

If your current battery is on its way out, you can get an affordable auto part replacement at High Point Auto Salvage, Inc. in High Point, NC. This auto salvage yard has a wide selection of new, used and remanufactured car parts for all makes and models. Their car salvage experts can help you find the part you need, or you can use their online inventory search. All parts come with a 90-day warranty for your peace of mind. Call (336) 889-9062 with any questions.