Signs your battery needs to be replaced

Ever dealt with a dead car battery in the middle of winter? Not much fun, is it? Drivers are far better off ensuring that their battery is in good shape before the thermometer dips. But how can you tell if your battery needs to be replaced? Here’s what to look out for.

Indicators of age
Car batteries typically last four to six years. One indication that yours is on its last legs is that the interior lights and/or headlights have gotten dimmer. Another good clue is that your vehicle doesn’t jump to life when you turn your key in the ignition: instead, your start up is slow, weak or inconsistent. If you’re experiencing these problems and your battery is old, it’s a good idea to get it checked by a licensed technician to see if it needs to be replaced. If your battery is still under four years old, it may just need to be recharged.

Low voltage
Recharge your battery when the voltage is lower than 12.4 volts. You can check the voltage using a voltmeter or multimeter. If you have a car battery recharger, you can recharge the battery yourself. Otherwise, get a professional to do it.

Provided this resolves the issue, your battery is likely still fine. However, should the problem return, check the voltage again. If the battery won’t hold a charge, it’s time to get it replaced. If the voltage is within range, it might be an issue with the alternator.

Problems with the alternator
Note that a defective alternator has similar secondary effects as a weak battery. For this reason, it can sometimes be a good idea to consult a mechanic before replacing your battery. This way you’re sure to get a full and accurate diagnostic.