What are the signs that a car battery needs to be replaced?
2 Answers
When the indicator eye on the battery shows white, it indicates that the battery needs to be replaced; when the car battery is deformed or bulging, it means the battery can no longer be used and poses a significant safety hazard, requiring immediate replacement; when encountering difficulties in starting the car, the battery warning light turning on, or the headlights dimming at idle, the battery should be checked, and if faulty, it should be repaired or replaced promptly. Relevant information about car batteries is as follows: Introduction: A car battery, also known as a storage battery, is a type of battery that works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Typically, the battery referred to by people is a lead-acid battery, which is mainly made of lead and its oxides, with sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. Working principle: It uses lead plates filled with sponge-like lead as the negative electrode, lead plates filled with lead dioxide as the positive electrode, and 22-28% dilute sulfuric acid as the electrolyte. During charging, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy, and during discharging, chemical energy is converted back into electrical energy.
I always pay attention to whether my car starts smoothly. If the engine turns over very slowly when I turn the key, as if struggling, it may indicate the battery is nearing the end of its life. Last month, my car was like this—cold starts in the morning took several seconds of effort, accompanied by strange ticking sounds. Later, when I turned on the headlights, I noticed they were dimmer, and the battery light on the dashboard occasionally flickered. I checked and found corrosion on the battery terminals, but cleaning them didn’t help. A voltage test showed it was below 12V, confirming insufficient power. Car batteries typically last three to four years before needing attention, as aging can lead to acid leaks that damage components. I immediately replaced the battery, and the starting speed returned to normal. Regularly testing the voltage with a multimeter every six months can help prevent breakdowns on the highway, saving money and ensuring peace of mind.
