Under What Circumstances Should a Car Battery Be Replaced?
2 Answers
You can determine whether the battery needs to be replaced through the following methods: 1. If the vehicle is more difficult to start than usual, lacks power during startup, requires multiple ignition attempts, or feels like there's insufficient starting power, it is recommended to check the battery and observe the color change of the battery's "eye" to determine if replacement is needed. 2. If you hear a "clicking sound" when starting the vehicle, it indicates severe battery depletion, and immediate replacement is required. It is recommended to check the battery and observe the color change of the battery's "eye" to determine if replacement is needed. 3. When idling at night, the car's alternator may not provide enough power for the headlights, and the battery primarily supplies the power. If the battery's lifespan is insufficient and cannot provide adequate lighting power, the lights will noticeably dim. It is advisable to replace the battery promptly to avoid affecting driving safety. 4. Normally, the dashboard needles respond immediately after ignition. However, if the battery is depleted, the dashboard may take 1-1.5 seconds to respond after ignition. It is recommended to check the battery and observe the color change of the battery's "eye" to determine if replacement is needed.
As a long-distance driver, I can sense the battery condition through daily driving. When you start the car and feel the engine turning weakly, struggling to start, or requiring multiple attempts to fire up, these are clear warning signs. During driving, if the headlights flicker or the air conditioning cooling effect fluctuates, it indicates insufficient power supply. Additionally, noticing a swollen or deformed battery case, or visible white crystalline deposits on the electrode terminals are also red flags. I am very cautious with the battery—I never keep the air conditioning or audio system on for more than half an hour after turning off the engine. During every vehicle maintenance check, I ask the technician to measure the voltage with a multimeter. If it drops below 12.2 volts, it's time to prepare for a replacement. After all, suddenly running out of power on the road is a hassle, so it's better to address it early for peace of mind.
