5 Signs of a Bad Car Battery
So, what does a bad battery do to a car? Essentially, it changes how your car behaves — and we're not just talking about electrical issues. A bad battery can affect multiple other components in your INFINITI, like the engine, alternator, computer, and electrical system. Here are some of the most common signs of a bad car battery.
1. You hear a clicking noise when you try to start the car.
If you turn the key and hear rapid clicking before your engine starts, your battery may not be sending enough current to your starter. If you're lucky, your second or third attempt might start your engine. But if you have a completely dead battery, you'll be stranded until someone can give your battery a jump start. It's best to have your battery checked and possibly replaced immediately if you hear clicking noises when you crank your engine.
2. Your engine cranks slower than usual.
If your engine won't start, your battery may be dead. But even if the engine still cranks, a change in turnover time can also spell trouble. A sluggish or stuttering engine start can be one of the first indicators of a weak or dying battery. If your engine doesn't turn over immediately, the battery is a great place to troubleshoot.
3. Your headlights are dim.
You're used to having a crystal-clear view when driving your INFINITI at night. But lately, your evening drives are a little more dim. Maybe your vision is getting worse — or perhaps it's just a dying car battery. Your battery helps supply power to your headlights, so when your battery strength declines, so will the intensity of your headlight beams.
4. You notice electrical issues in your INFINITI.
Can a bad car battery cause electrical problems? Absolutely. The battery helps power your INFINITI's charging system, which provides power to dashboard lights and other electrical accessories in your vehicle. If your car battery is nearing the end of its life, you may experience some of the following electrical issues:
- Your stereo turns on and off by itself.
- Your windshield wipers move slowly or don't work consistently.
- Your power windows won't roll up or down.
- Your seat or mirrors don't move when you press powered adjustment knobs.
- Your dashboard lights flicker or look dim.
5. Your check engine light is illuminated.
If your INFINITI is equipped with a battery indicator light, it will likely come on if your battery isn't supplying enough power. However, your “check engine” light may turn on instead, even if there's not an issue with your engine itself. Whenever that engine light turns on, your nearest INFINITI authorized service center can tell you whether your battery is failing, your electrical system has a blown fuse, or you have some other issue under the hood.
How to Check If a Car Battery is Bad
If you've experienced one (or several) of the signs and symptoms above, it's time to pop the hood and inspect the battery for yourself. Here are a few simple battery checks you can do from home:
- Look for corrosion on the battery terminals. If you see a green, blue, or white substance on the battery terminals, this is corrosion. Sometimes, corrosion occurs because battery terminals interact with fumes under the hood. Other times, corrosion can indicate a failing battery. If you spot corrosion and you've experienced one or more signs of a bad battery as outlined above, it's time to replace your battery.
- Remove the battery and inspect the plastic housing. Extreme temperatures and age may cause a battery to swell from the inside out. If you notice bulging, cracking, or any other visual damage on your battery, it's best to replace it.
- Use a multimeter to measure your battery's voltage. If it's less than 12.6 volts, your battery could be failing.
Not sure how to check battery voltage yourself? Turn to the pros at your local INFINITI dealer for quick and easy battery checks. If you suspect your battery is failing, bring in your INFINITI sooner rather than later. You don't want to let your battery die altogether!
Is It Time to Replace Your Car Battery?
When is the best time to replace your battery? In short, before you absolutely have to. Your battery will likely send warning signals before it dies completely, and it's wise to replace the battery as soon as you notice any symptoms and signs of a bad battery. Ignoring your dying battery could leave you and your INFINITI stranded, creating a disruption in your busy schedule.
When it's time to replace your battery, ensure you've got the right fit with a genuine INFINITI battery replacement. Purchase your replacement battery online to install at home, or bring it to your nearest authorized INFINITI service center for professional installation.