7 Symptoms Of A Failing Battery

Here are indications that it’s time to look for car battery replacements:

1. Car Won’t Start

The most obvious symptom is that the car won’t start. It means the battery doesn’t have enough power to start the engine.

Sometimes, the vehicle may even start and then die immediately without idling. Regardless, you’ll need to do a battery test at a repair shop.

Pro Tip: Some auto shops offer free battery testing services or do battery tests during an oil change. You could also request a battery service when changing tires.

2. Car Starts Slowly

Typically, cars may start slowly in winter, depending on the battery’s cold cranking amps. The more cold cranking amps it has, the longer it’ll last and the smoother it’ll run in cold conditions.

But when your car starts slowly at normal temperatures, it means your battery is failing. You may even notice a strange sound just before it finally dies. In this case, you may need a battery pack replacement.

3. Warning Lights Turn On

The dashboard warning lights are your car’s way of telling you what’s wrong. And when it comes to battery issues, there are two relevant warning lights:

• An illuminated battery warning light can signify various battery problems, including alternator failure, battery cable corrosion, or low power.

• A lit check engine light usually indicates engine problems, but it could also mean the vehicle’s battery is faulty and needs to be replaced.

So, if you see any of these two signs, it’s time to have the battery checked.

4. Diminished Electricity

Dim headlights or issues with other electrical components are telltale signs of battery failure. It means that the battery cannot deliver enough power to smoothly run these electric systems. 

So, diminished electrical outputs indicate the battery is losing charge or starting to fail. You can either recharge the battery or replace it if it’s faulty.

5. Swollen Battery

If you notice a bloated battery during a visual inspection, it’s time to get it checked.

A car battery swells due to overcharging, which can happen when the alternator has a faulty voltage regulator.

In such cases, fixing the battery is not recommended as it may not work properly anyway. Your best bet is a replacement battery.

6. Odd Smell

Auto batteries don’t usually have a specific smell. So, if you notice a rotten egg smell, it means the battery has vented gas and needs to be replaced immediately.

Moreover, if it’s leaking battery acid, it could harm the engine. If that’s the case, it’s definitely time for a new battery. 

7. The Battery Is Old

Sometimes, you may not experience any battery issues until it flat-out fails. This can be troublesome, especially if your car stops in remote areas far from auto repair or towing service providers.

What can you do about that?

Have a mechanic check your battery at the four-year mark or during regular maintenance. And if the old battery is at the end of its charge cycle, request a battery service. You could even buy a replacement battery yourself from a car dealership or auto parts store.

How Urgent Is Replacing My Battery?

It’s best to address battery issues as soon as possible.

Yes, a dead battery can leave you stranded while waiting for roadside assistance. But that’s not the worst part.

If your battery symptoms comprise a rotten smell or swelling, it could be leaking battery acid or may even explode — damaging the engine.

So, it’s important to check your car battery and seek a battery replacement service to get your vehicle back to its original capacity.

How Much Does A Battery Replacement Cost?

Generally, battery replacement costs between $118 to $216, which mostly accounts for battery prices rather than repair labor costs. Moreover, the battery prices vary based on the battery size, type, output, and vehicle type.

Here are more specific examples: 

• In the case of DieHard batteries, the DieHard Platinum AGM starts at $219.99, while the DieHard Red starts at $99.99. The batteries come with a 3-year warranty and a 1-year warranty, respectively.

• For the Tesla Model S, each battery module costs between $5,000 to $7,000. So, a complete battery replacement in a Model S could cost around $20,000 to $35,000.

4 FAQs On Car Battery Replacement

Here are the answers to four frequently asked questions on car battery replacements:

1. What Is A Battery? And Why Do I Need To Replace It?

A car battery stores and supplies power to start the car and keep it going. It also provides energy to other electrical components, like the headlights, music system, and radio.

But the battery’s original capacity will wear out over time, reducing the performance and functionality of the car.

So, replacing it with the right battery will keep the car running at optimal performance. 

2. How Long Do Auto Batteries Last?

Auto batteries are made to last for around 3 to 5 years. But being constantly on the road can affect its lifespan.

 Battery life can further vary based on factors like:

• The length of your trips 
• Frequency of battery repair and maintenance
• Exposure to extreme weather
• Alternator and charging system health

Moreover, if your alternator fails, you need to know the battery’s reserve capacity. The reserve capacity will help you determine how long the battery will supply power to essential elements, like ignition and headlights, before failing.

3. Are All Car Batteries The Same?

Car batteries come with varied power and size settings to suit different automotive vehicles.

The right battery needs to match the car manufacturer’s specifications for ideal performance. Moreover, the wrong one will reduce car performance and battery life.

Most older models use a standard flooded battery, but many new car models use lithium-ion and Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) quality batteries to meet greater electrical demands. Additionally, a regular car battery isn’t the same as an RV battery, which is a deep-cycle battery.

So, keep the following aspects in mind when choosing a replacement battery:

• Battery type
• Battery size
• Terminal locations
• Electrical specifications
• Replacement warranty

4. How To Replace A Car Battery (Step-By-Step)

You need either a battery backup, a battery charger, or jumper cables to revive a dead battery.

But if it’s an old battery that’s too far gone, you can replace it using the following steps:

• Pop open the hood and locate the battery.

• Identify the positive and negative terminals.

• Remove the negative battery cable first — and then disconnect the positive battery terminal.

• Remove the battery clamps and then the dead battery.

• Clean the battery tray and terminals if damaged due to corrosion.

• Place the replacement battery in the tray.

• Connect the positive battery terminal first and then the negative battery terminal.
• Close the hood and start the car.

Your new battery should kick in immediately. But if it doesn’t, seek out professional help from a repair shop or mobile mechanic.

Note: While it’s not impossible to replace the battery yourself, it’s best to call a professional to complete the job perfectly.