What are the signs of a car battery being dead?
2 Answers
Signs of a car battery being dead: The battery indicator light on the dashboard stays on. The battery indicator light is shaped like a battery symbol, with a plus sign on one side and a minus sign on the other. Normally, it should light up during the vehicle's self-check and turn off after starting. If the battery indicator light stays on after starting, it indicates a problem with the battery. Symptoms of a dead car battery: 1. When turning the ignition key, the starter does not turn or only makes a continuous and rhythmic clicking sound; 2. When honking the horn, the sound is hoarse or does not sound at all; 3. When turning on the headlight switch, the headlights do not light up or are dim, and other instruments do not work.
In my over ten years of driving experience, I've encountered multiple car battery failures. The most obvious first sign is engine starting difficulty or complete failure to start, where you only hear clicking noises during ignition but no turnover, like it's struggling to gasp. The car lights also become dim, for example, the headlights look like they're covered in dust, and the brightness of the front lights drops significantly, which is especially dangerous during night driving. The small red battery icon on the dashboard often lights up, which is a critical warning signal indicating battery depletion. Electronic devices also malfunction, with the radio turning off automatically or the power windows moving sluggishly. Moreover, cold weather makes these signs more pronounced, as low temperatures accelerate battery discharge. I recommend everyone develop the habit of checking the cleanliness of battery terminals to avoid corrosion issues and extend battery life.
