How can I tell if my car battery is dying?

Your car battery reveals that it is dying in many ways.

• The engine won’t turn over. You hear either a clicking sound or nothing when you turn the ignition key, which indicates that the battery has little to no power left.
• The engine starts but dies quickly. Your battery may have enough power to start the engine but not enough to sustain it during the few seconds needed for the electrical system to function.
• The interior lights don’t turn on. If you open a car door and the interior lights don’t come on, your battery may be dead. However, you may have also turned off the lights or have a blown fuse.
• The battery warning light is on. This indicates that a problem with the battery or alternator that may lead to failure.

Could it be a problem with the alternator?

The alternator converts mechanical energy from the drive belt into power that is stored in your battery. If you experience the following issues, the problem may be your alternator, not your battery.

• The battery warning light is on.
• Interior lights are too dim or too bright.
• The engine stalls frequently, or you have trouble starting.
• Whining, growling, or moaning noises come from the engine.
• Accessories function slowly or not at all.
• You smell burning coming from the engine.

What kills your battery?

Your battery may be dead for many reasons.

• You left an electrical part, such as the headlamps, on after you turned off the engine.
• You haven’t driven the car for a long time because a fully charged battery slowly discharges its power.
• The alternator isn’t charging the battery.
• High temperatures during hot weather may have affected the battery.
• Low temperatures during cold weather may have frozen the battery.
• Corroded or dirty terminals interfere with the charging of the battery.

What do I do if my battery dies?

You will most likely be parked in your garage or parking spot when you discover that your battery is dead. If not, move your vehicle to a safe place before you open the hood to inspect your battery visually. You may find a simple problem, such as a dirty or loose connection, that you can fix yourself easily and inexpensively.

You can also try jump-starting with help from another vehicle’s battery, the Auto Club, or the roadside assistance that came with your vehicle. If you can start your vehicle this way, you’ll need to drive your car for at least 20 minutes or more to recharge the battery fully.

Where can I get my battery checked?

If your battery dies after a jump-start or continues to give you problems, you need to get it checked by visiting the Service Department of a dealer at the Beach Boulevard of Cars in Huntington Beach. Factory-certified automotive technicians can then test your battery, uncover what is happening, and recommend the best action, such as a replacement if your battery is old. They can also tell you whether the fault lies with the battery, alternator, or some other component.