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Are you finding it tough to kickstart your car during those bone-chilling winter mornings? Perhaps you've observed a dim or flickering display on your dashboard. Remember, your car battery isn't just responsible for igniting your engine; it also powers essential electrical components such as your dashboard lights and headlights. Typically, batteries endure for 3-6 years, varying based on usage and environmental conditions. If yours is getting old, you might see some symptoms of a car battery that needs to be replaced:

Trouble starting your car

Whether your car is struggling to turn over on those crisp cold mornings no matter how hard you’re crankin’ the key you may need a new battery. Considering your battery is the working part that starts your engine up, much less all of the electrical components, like your heat or lights. Many things that you probably do not want to lose out on in Wisconsin’s bitter cold winters!

Dim or Flickering Lights

When you start your car up do your lights flicker? Or maybe your headlights are a bit dim even though you JUST replaced them. Well, that may be a sign that you need a new battery! If you notice that your lights on the dashboard are flickering or are not as bright as usual, it may be beneficial to check the battery. Another sign is when your car is idling. If you are idling and your headlights dim and go back to normal when accelerating, you need a new battery. Having these issues can be a sure sign of an aging battery however there may be something else up if a new battery is not in order and you are still having these issues!

Corrosion

When you pop the hood does your battery look normal? If you are looking at your battery under the hood and it looks scary and corroded, you need a new battery. Overall, there are a multitude of reasons that your battery is corroded like leaking battery fluid, so it would be beneficial to replace your battery if it is in this state!

Old battery

Car battery’s typically last 3-6 years but like any other part of a car, it depends on the usage and conditions! To find out if your battery is due for a replacement because of age, you can get the voltage checked at your local Schierl Tire & Service Center.

Frequently have to Jump Start Your Car

If you are regularly having to jump start your car, it is definitely a sign that you are going to need a new battery! Obviously, if you left a light on your battery will likely drain but if you are having to frequently jump start your car, it would be beneficial to get your battery check out by the professionals.

With any vehicle, proper maintenance depends on the usage and condition of the part. If you are questioning if you need a new battery, head over to Hartje Tire & Auto Service! We would be more than happy to check out your vehicle and keep it running in tip-to shape!