With so many auto maintenance tasks to keep up with, it’s easy to take some parts for granted, such as your car battery. However, you’ll have difficulty driving your car with a weak or dying battery, so pay attention to the warning symptoms.

5 Signs You Need a New Car Battery

1. Persistent Electrical Issues

The battery not only powers the engine but also the electrical components in your vehicle, like the lights, radio, power windows, and onboard computer. As it loses charge, you’ll notice a considerable decline in these parts’ performance and response time.

2. Slow Engine Crank

Starting up your vehicle requires power that primarily comes from the battery. When it’s on its last legs, the engine takes longer to crank and turn over. Pay attention to this warning sign, mainly if it occurs more frequently than usual. Don’t wait until you only hear a quick clicking sound—this indicates that the battery doesn’t have enough charge to crank the engine.

3. Deformed Battery Case

If you see swelling, bulging, or cracking on the battery’s case, it’s likely due to exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations. Chemical reactions happen inside the car battery when it’s excessively hot outside—even if yours is relatively new. Let an auto maintenance specialist handle the misshapen battery.

4. Corroded Terminals

Corrosion around the battery posts is common but no less worrisome. A leaking battery causes the whitish coating on the terminals, which requires removal to prevent discharging. An acid leak can also cause corrosion on nearby engine components. Refrain from handling a leaking battery on your own, which can be dangerous, and let an auto maintenance technician do it.

5. Strong Odor

When your battery sustains damage from overcharging and short-circuiting, it produces a strong sulfuric smell similar to rotten eggs because of its acid content. In this case, charging the battery won’t work, and you’ll need a replacement instead.

If you spot these signs and need to switch out your old car battery, head to Priam’s Automotive Service & Repair. Located in Honolulu, HI, the locally owned and operated shop provides top-notch auto maintenance and repairs to motorists across east and leeward Oahu. Call (808) 537-1919 to make an appointment, or view their full list of services online.