There’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling of turning your car key or pressing the start button, only to be met with silence or the feeble whir of an engine that refuses to start. The culprit? Often, it’s a dead car battery – a critical component that tends to slip our minds in terms of maintenance until it’s too late. Below, we explain how to tell a car battery is dead.
5 signs a car battery is dead
Not every battery will signal its impending failure, but they may offer warning signs. So while a truly ‘dead’ battery is one that simply fails to start your vehicle, it’s worth learning to recognise common indicators that a battery is on the brink of letting you down. Here’s how to tell a car battery is dead:
- Slow engine crank: Engine taking a l-o-n-n-n-n-g time to start? This is a tell-tale sign of a dying battery, particularly if other factors (like extreme weather conditions) can be excluded.
- Power fluctuation: Do the electrical components of your vehicle feel sluggish or underpowered? Are the lights on your dashboard dim? Headlights dipping or surging in brightness? A failing battery may be the answer.
- Headlights and power, but no start! So the headlights work and you can play your favourite playlist through the radio, but all you hear is a ‘click’ once you hit that start-button or turn the key? A battery that’s very low on charge may be able to power these lower-needs electrical systems, but may not have enough to pass on the charge required to get the starter-motor going.
- A distorted, swollen or leaking battery case: Take a look at your battery: is it swollen, out of shape, leaking or showing signs of corrosion? Visual indicators like this are sure signs that it’s time for a battery replacement.
- Age: If you’re having trouble starting your vehicle and you can’t remember the last time you replaced your car battery…it’s likely that your battery has met with its greatest enemy: time.
Understanding car battery life
How long do car batteries last, anyway? Typically, manufacturers estimate a lifespan of three to five years, but real-world conditions can shorten or extend this range. Car battery life can vary based on factors like the quality of installation, climate, driving habits, and the battery’s design, especially for vehicles with Idle Stop Start (ISS) technology.
Can I recharge a dead car battery?
In short, yes. But it’s not a long-term fix. Provided that the battery is in good physical condition without any leaks or bulges, recharging or jump starting a dead car battery is feasible. But continuous cycles of discharge and recharge will strain your vehicle’s alternator and other electrical components; so it’s best to view a recharge or a jump start as a way to get your vehicle to the care it needs. You can’t defer a dead battery for long!
Why does my car battery die again after a jump start?
If your car battery dies immediately after being jump started, it may be beyond its ability to hold any charge. There’s also a chance that the vehicle’s charging system may be malfunctioning, preventing the battery from recharging properly while the engine runs.
When is it time to replace a dead car battery?
Recognising the right time to replace your car battery before it dies can prevent you from being stranded. So if you’re experiencing sluggish engine starts, frequent need for jump-starts, or have a battery that’s physically damaged, it’s likely time for a new one. Consistent battery issues, despite recharging, also signal the need for replacement. Don’t ignore the warning signs! Bring your vehicle to us, and we’ll take care of you before you get stuck on the side of the road.
Maximising your new battery’s life
To ensure your new battery keeps you on the road for as long as possible, minimise power usage when the engine is off, avoid letting your car sit idle for extended periods, and occasionally drive longer distances to allow the battery to fully recharge. Regular vehicle maintenance checks will also help identify and resolve battery issues before they lead to failure. We regularly check battery health as part of your car’s regular servicing and maintenance program.
Take proactive steps to ensure your car battery’s health
Now that you know how to tell a car battery is dead, actively monitoring and maintaining its health can significantly reduce the chances of unexpected failures. Even better, instead of waiting for your battery to show signs of weakness, regularly check its condition, including its physical appearance and power output. Embrace a routine of preventive care, such as ensuring the terminals are clean and secure, and minimising unnecessary electrical load when the engine is off.
Don’t wait for a complete breakdown; if you suspect your battery is on its way out, we’ll take care of you and your car. Our specialist technicians make sure both you and your car receive a premium service experience so that you can relax and focus on the things that matter most.
