Your car battery is one of the components that you think about the least, but that all changes the second your car decides not to start in the morning. The truth is though, there are several ways to stay ahead of potential battery trouble and avoid getting stranded, and all you have to do is pay close attention to a few distinct details.
What to Watch For
Electrical systems can be finicky at the best of times, but when your car battery begins to fail you may notice several anomalies that are new and potentially concerning. You might notice inaccurate or non-functional gauges, your built-in clock might be running too fast or too slow, or certain components on your vehicle may become inoperable and then suddenly work again. The reason this happens is that your car has a series of failsafe features that prioritize certain features above others when you lose voltage, and these intermittent issues are a sure sign that your battery is in need of attention.
If you’re looking for a more definitive test but don’t have battery testing equipment handy, a simple thing you can do to test the viability of your battery is to start the engine, turn off all climate control functions, and turn on the headlights while pointed at a surface where you can clearly see the light they are giving off. Once you’re in position and the vehicle has been running for a few minutes, turn on the air conditioning. If your headlights noticeably dim, your battery is having a hard time keeping up with demand even as the alternator is doing its best to recycle electrical power from the engine.
Schedule Your Appoinment Today!
At Ruxer Ford Lincoln in Jasper, our expert Ford Lincoln Service center has the tools, expertise, and parts available to test and change your battery to ensure you are never left stranded and waiting for a jump. Schedule your appointment and drive with confidence today!