Today's vehicles have more electrical components than ever before, which really strains a car’s electrical system and can make it hard for the battery to keep up.

In fact, how many electrical features can you name in your car? Electric seats, seat heaters, power locks, power windows power sun roofs, power outlets for cell phones, DVD players, navigation systems, powerful stereos - the list goes on and on.

There are also all the vehicle engine and transmission computers, traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, sensors. Even security systems run off the battery while the car is turned off. And of course, extreme weather conditions, such as Malaysia's constantly hot weather can take a toll on battery life. 

The fact is that vehicle batteries just wear out over time. Every battery will eventually come to the point where it cannot hold enough of a charge to start a car. That can happen because of normal wear, a leak that has developed, or corrosion on the connections.

Ideally, the best time to replace your battery is before it dies. In this article, we'll discuss the top signs that tell you your car battery is losing its life and is due for a timely replacement if you don't want to be stuck with a dead car battery soon!

How to tell if your car battery is dead?

a) The check engine light is on

The check engine light can mean almost anything, including the possibility that the battery is running out of juice. Consult your car manual for insight on the check engine light warning for your car’s make and model and get your battery tested to see if it’s working at full capacity. 

b) The engine is slow to start

A slow engine start is the last sputtering gasp before a battery kicks the bucket. Over time, battery components will wear out, rendering them less effective. This will cause the battery to take more time to create a charge for the starter, and you’ll have to wait a few extra seconds for the engine to turn over.

c) The lights are dim or you are experiencing electrical issues

A battery powers all of the electronics in your car - see list above. If a battery is losing its charge, the electronic components in a car will not run on full power. If your radio, heated seats, dashboard computer, or cell phone charger seems to not be working as usual, this is a classic sign that your car battery is struggling. 

d) The battery connectors are corroded

When you look at your car battery, seeing a white, ashy substance on the metals of the battery is a sure sign of corrosion. Corroded terminals - the positive and negative metal connections on the top of the battery — can lead to voltage issues and trouble starting your vehicle.

e) You can smell something rotten

If you can smell rotten eggs when you pop the hood of your car, this may be a sign that your car battery is leaking. A gas leak in a battery can be caused by damage to the battery or an internal short. 

f) Your battery case is misshapen

Exposure to extreme heat or cold can actually cause a battery case to swell and crack. If your battery is anything but rectangular, chances are high that it isn’t working properly.

g) Your battery is old

In ideal conditions, car batteries typically last 3-5 years. Climate, electronic demands and driving habits can all affect the lifespan of a battery. It’s a good idea to air on the side of caution and get your battery performance tested regularly, especially after it hits the 3-year mark

Rain or shine, day or night, EX Power delivers car batteries or repair services to your doorstep

Facing car battery issues? Need help on changing a dead car battery? With EX Power's all-day roadside assistance, you'll have immediate car battery repair and replacement services exactly when and where you need them! Our services come with:

✓ Free installation

✓ Free checking

✓ Free delivery

Check us out at https://www.expower.com.my/ or call us now at +6010 888 9166