Top 8 Signs Your Volkswagen Needs a New Car Battery

Your battery provides the power to start your vehicle and also powers the lights and all the accessories. When your battery is failing, you will experience electrical issues and find it hard to start your vehicle. The following signs will warn you that it’s time for a new car battery before it’s too late and you get stranded next to the road.

Top 8 Signs Your Volkswagen Needs a New Car Battery

1. The Engine Light is On

When your battery is weak, the engine light will come on.  A weak battery won’t send the correct amount of energy to the computer, which will cause the engine light to come on. Don’t ignore the engine light. Schedule a service appointment immediately.

2. Electrical Problems

Your vehicle’s battery powers the electronics. When the battery is weak, you will notice that the headlights are dimmer. The electric windows and the windshield wipers will also operate slower than usual.

3. Trouble Starting

A battery that’s in good condition ensures that your vehicle starts every time you turn the key in the ignition. When you hear clicking sounds when you turn the key and notice it takes longer for your car to start, it’s a sign that your battery needs to be replaced.

4. Corroded Terminals

When you see a white substance on the metal connections on top of the battery, it can lead to voltage issues that can make it hard to start your vehicle.  If it’s not too bad, you can clean it off. When the corrosion is eating away at the metal, you need a new battery urgently.

5. Horrible Odor

When the battery is damaged or overcharged, it releases hydrogen sulfide that smells like rotten eggs. When you smell this awful odor when you open the hood or in the cabin, get it checked out by your technician as soon as possible. If you don’t attend to the problem, this acidic gas will eventually cause corrosion that will damage engine components.

6. A Damaged and Misshapen Battery Case

Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause the battery case to swell and crack. If the battery case is swollen or misshapen in any way, it’s time for a new battery.

7. The Battery Is Old

Car batteries deteriorate over time until they can’t provide enough power to start the engine. A good quality battery should last three to five years. The temperature, your driving habits, and the quality of the battery also influence how long your battery will last. When your battery is three years old, get it tested annually to see if it is still in good working order and if it needs to be replaced.

8. You Need to Jump-Start It Often

If you have to jump-start your car often, it doesn’t matter for what reason, you have battery problems. Especially if you have to jump-start your car more than once or twice a week. If this is the case, you definitely need a new battery.

If you don’t replace your battery when you notice any of these signs, you might not be able to start your vehicle at all. Visit Tom Bush Volkswagen today, and our qualified technicians will perform a battery test to determine the condition of your vehicle’s battery and if a replacement is necessary.

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