What are the symptoms of a car battery failure?
2 Answers
Car battery failure manifests in the following ways: 1. Warning light illuminates: Many issues in a car trigger corresponding warning lights, and the battery is no exception. When this light appears on the dashboard, it indicates a battery problem that requires prompt repair. 2. Abnormal vehicle starting: Normally, the vehicle starts successfully with one attempt, but when the battery is faulty or discharged, multiple ignition attempts may be needed, or the vehicle may fail to start at all, accompanied by a "squeaking" noise. 3. Dim headlights at idle: While driving, the headlights function normally, but when the car is idle, the headlights become noticeably dimmer. This occurs because the engine's charging power decreases at idle, and a faulty battery cannot supply sufficient power to the headlights, making them dimmer when the car is stationary compared to when it's moving.
After driving for so many years, I've encountered battery issues several times. The most obvious symptom is when the engine struggles to start in the morning, feeling weak and unresponsive despite turning the key repeatedly. The battery warning light on the dashboard often illuminates to alert me of the problem. At night, the headlights appear dim, as if covered by a layer of fog, and the radio or air conditioning might suddenly stop working. Once, I broke down on the road during winter, but fortunately, I had jumper cables to resolve the issue. Car batteries typically deteriorate after 3-5 years, so it's advisable to regularly check the terminals for white corrosion and keep them clean to extend their lifespan. If you frequently take short trips, the battery is more prone to discharging; occasionally driving long distances to recharge it or purchasing a home charger for maintenance can help.
