When you’re driving your car, you may notice that the battery light is on. While a low battery could indeed be the cause, there are several other reasons why this battery may be lit. Before you visit an auto mechanic, familiarize yourself with the possible causes of a lit battery light.

3 Reasons for a Battery Light to Turn On

1. Low Battery

A battery warning light may mean just what it suggests — that your battery isn’t charging or has little power left. Leaving your car lights on can drain the batteries, so be careful not to use your car’s battery any more than necessary. It’s also possible that your battery is old. Car batteries typically last around five years, so go to an auto mechanic to purchase a new battery if your battery is near or past the end of its estimated lifespan and the dashboard battery light is on. 

2. Corroded Terminals 

Car batteries contain lead terminals where the vehicle’s wires connect to the unit. Over time, hydrogen from the battery acid can corrode these pegs, undercharging the battery and possibly causing the battery light to turn on. An auto mechanic can safely disconnect the power source and remove the corrosion to ensure a full charge and turn the indicator light off.

3. Incorrect Diagnostic Code

Sometimes, the battery isn’t in trouble even if the dashboard light is illuminated. Instead, there may be a problem with the electrical wiring that triggers the light. The diagnostic wiring may have been jostled out of place, triggering an error when nothing is actually wrong with the battery. If this is the case, a mechanic can use a diagnostic car code reader to assess the cause of the light and fix the faulty wiring. 

If you need to visit an auto mechanic to address a battery light, head to Branford Radiator Repair Service in New Haven County, CT. The expert technicians have been in the industry for over 30 years and provide top-notch diagnostics and efficient repairs. Call the Branford-area company at (203) 488-7346 or visit the website for information on their fairly priced, comprehensive auto repair offerings.