Car battery plates are made of lead because the lead interacts with the sulfuric acid and water inside the battery to create a chemical reaction to generate energy. The average lifespan of a car battery is about three to four years. If your battery is getting too old and the chemical reaction is slowing down, you may have one or more of the following problems.
Warning Light
An old battery that is struggling to produce power can cause the engine control unit to turn on the battery light on the dashboard. This warning light will remain illuminated until you replace the battery. The engine control unit will not be happy until it no longer receives error codes from the electrical system.
Cranking Engine
Another sign that your battery is getting too old and the chemical reaction is slowing down is a cranking engine. What we mean by this is that your engine cranks several times instead of just once before it starts. Consequently, this is a sign that the battery is going bad and you need to replace it.
Electrical Issues
Another sign that the battery is going bad is electrical issues. Specifically, you may start to have problems with the brightness of your vehicle’s lights. In addition, your electrical accessories and components may begin to slow down and malfunction. This means they aren’t getting enough power.
Corrosion
An old battery can also get corroded because it will spring a leak and release the sulfuric acid and water that is inside of it. Naturally, when either liquid comes in contact with the metal of the battery terminals or cable connectors, it will corrode them. This corrosion can be cleaned, but it will return as your battery continues to leak.
Sulfur Smells
An old battery can also release sulfur smells if it is leaking. These smells are like the odor of rotten eggs. You will smell the rotten eggs around the battery because of the battery leak. It is important to replace a leaking battery as soon as possible to avoid damage to the connector cables and battery stand.
Misshapen Case
Finally, all batteries don’t just start to leak. In some cases, they also start to have a problem with the chemical reaction inside them. Unfortunately, this can actually warp the battery case. You should never drive your automobile if the case is warped, cracked, or bubbling.
Call us today if you are having any of these problems. We would be happy to replace your battery.