You get into your car and crank the ignition - nothing. You may hear that click-click-click noise, but your car doesn't start. Is your battery dead? And if so, were there any warning signs that could of helped you avoid this?
A dead battery is often unexpected, especially because it happens suddenly. Luckily, there are a few warning signs that you can look out for that can help you avoid these types of situations. On average, the typical car battery lasts between 3-4 years, depending on your vehicle and driving habits. Keeping record of when you last replaced your vehicle can also help you avoid a dead battery. If it's been 3 or 4 years since your last battery replacement, bringing your car or battery into West Coast Tire & Service for a battery test can give you an idea of how much longer your battery will last you.
Accidentally leaving an electrical component on for an extended period of time, like the lights or radio, can also cause your battery to die prematurely. If you left your lights on and find that your vehicle won't start in the morning, you know what the culprit is.
A car battery can die due to a number of different reasons, whether from the battery itself or the charging and starting system. If you ever suspect an issue with your car battery, you can always bring your car into West Coast Tire & Service for an evaluation.
Symptoms of a dying car battery include:
- Failing power locks and/or windows
- Car starts up slow or takes multiple tries
- Problems with the radio
- Dim interior lights
- Battery warning light is on
Take note of the symptoms listed above and as soon as you notice any of these signs, don't hesitate to stop by our shop so we can inspect your battery system. Sometimes the issue can lie elsewhere, so a thorough check of the entire system may be necessary. We don't want you to be stranded without a working vehicle, so getting ahead of a dead battery is key.
Even if your battery is new, there could still be a problem with the starting or charging system or alternator that is preventing the battery from receiving the correct charge. Getting into your car and finding that it won’t start can be extremely stressful, so detecting this problem early on and getting it taken care of will save you some trouble.
When you are experiencing battery trouble, give us a call here at West Coast Tire & Service or stop by our shop today!