Photo: Ford Your vehicle's battery provides the power to start your car and powers everything from the ignition system and computer to the windows and lights. When a battery is weak or failing, you will notice all sorts of issues. Here are telltale signs that'll warn you when it's time to visit your Ford dealer for a new car battery. more Does Your Ford Need a New Car Battery From Your Ford Dealer? Battery Lifespan Batteries have a limited life cycle. On average, a car battery lasts between three to five years. When your battery is three years old, regular battery tests are essential to determine if it's still going strong and if it's time for a replacement. The last thing you need is to get stuck next to the road with a dead car battery. Dashboard Warning Lights If there is a problem with your car's battery, the engine light or the battery light will go on. Neither warning lights should be ignored because a faulty charging system could get you stuck. When you notice these warning lights are on, get it checked out by your Ford technician as soon as you can. Electric Issues When your battery loses charge, it will affect the lights, seats, heaters, and electric windows. The lights will be dimmer and weaker, and the windows will move slower or not at all. It won't be long before the battery stops working altogether. Get the battery tested to determine if it needs replacing before you have to ask a good Samaritan to help you jump-start your car. Trouble Starting Your Car You know your car and how quickly it starts. When there is suddenly a problem starting your vehicle, a weak battery could be the culprit. When the engine is cranking slower than usual and takes longer to start, don't risk ignoring the issue. Ask your Ford technician to inspect the battery before your car doesn't start at all. Clicking Sounds If you turn your key in the ignition or press the start button and hear a clicking sound, your battery is too weak to start the engine. It means you will have to jump-start your car. If your vehicle needs a jump start to get going, it's best to get a new battery as soon as possible. Sulfurous Odor If you pop your head under the hood and you smell a sulfurous odor, much like that of rotten eggs, you have a battery leak. Leaks form when a battery is old, warped, or cracked. Take care of the issue fast before the leaking chemicals cause damage to other components. Damaged Battery Case A battery case that is swollen or warped or has cracks must be replaced. The chemical content inside the battery can leak out, damaging anything it touches. If the battery case is damaged in any way, get a new battery at your dealership where the damaged one can be disposed of correctly and safely. Jump Starts Jump-starting a car indicates that something is wrong with the battery. If you have to jump-start the battery often, better be safe than sorry, and get a new quality battery from your dealership. Don't ignore battery problems and get it checked out by your Ford technician as soon as you can. If you experience battery issues, visit Murray Ford of Starke today for expert battery tests and a range of high-quality batteries.
