Semi-trucks are a challenge to maneuver due to their size, weight, and the merchandise they transport. As a driver of one of these rigs, a breakdown on the road significantly complicates the job you must accomplish. But if you don’t check the battery regularly, you may end up needing towing assistance. To avoid this problem, pay attention to the warning that you should replace your battery soon.  

How to Tell Your Battery Is Failing

1. Slow Engine Crank

To start your semi-truck, the engine needs a significant amount of power from the battery. When it cranks and turns over, it means there’s enough juice left to get the vehicle moving, given a working alternator and starter. However, if you notice that it takes longer for the engine to crank, the battery is dying. You should replace it before it completely fails.

If you want to test the battery, let the engine run for half an hour to have the alternator charge the battery following a jumpstart. Turn off the engine, then restart it after a minute or so. Do this repeatedly to keep the battery charged. If it doesn’t start right away or crank hard enough, it is too weak.

2. Frequent Jumpstarts

If you hear a clicking sound as you turn the key in its ignition, you likely have a dead battery. While you can jumpstart the battery, it is only a short-term solution and not feasible or safe in the long run. Rather than call for towing service to jumpstart your semi-truck repeatedly, it’s more cost-effective to replace a failing battery.

3. Trouble With Electrical Components

Headlights, turn signals, and the radio are a few accessories that require electricity to run. But if the battery is failing, you’ll notice that lights are dimmer and slower to react than usual. Sometimes, the radio will reset its saved channels. When these issues happen, it means your battery is weak and about to die.

4. Misshapen Battery Case

Many semi-truck drivers often forget how old the battery is, and old age can lead to sudden failure. Another way to check if your battery may be dying is to pay attention to its appearance. Does it look bloated, swollen, or bulging? If yes, chemical reactions from extreme temperature fluctuations have caused the deformity and reduced battery life.

Failure to spot the red flags of a dying battery can leave you stranded on the road. If you’re stuck in greater Cincinnati or northern Kentucky, turn to the towing professionals at Quality Towing and Equipment Moving of West Chester, OH. As the trusted towing service in the area, they offer heavy-duty and machinery hauling. Call (513) 777-6622 for emergency towing or visit them online for more information about their services.