Blog / Altoona Jeep Service

6 Signs You Might Need a New Car Battery

Interior view of the dashboard area in a 2024 Jeep Wrangler. | Jeep dealer in Altoona, PA | Courtesy Motor Sales

Are you suspecting that your car's battery is on its last legs? You should visit your local CDJR dealer immediately to get a new car battery. A dead battery can leave you stranded and frustrated when your car won't start. So stay on the lookout for these signs indicating that your battery is on its way out.

1. Vehicle Takes Time to Start

Is your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM taking longer to start, or does the engine crank slower than usual? This is a clue that your battery is failing and should be replaced. A weak battery struggles to provide the power needed by the starter motor to start the engine. Over time, the battery will become depleted, and the engine won't crank at all.

2. Battery in Bad Shape

When you pop the hood, take a close look at the physical condition of the battery. If it looks swollen or has cracks in the casing, it's on its way out. These physical defects show the battery is in poor internal health, and it can't store energy as well as it should. Replace it before it deteriorates completely and fails to power your vehicle.

3. Excessive Corrosion on the Battery

Extensive corrosion around the battery and the terminals is a telltale sign of failure. You will notice a buildup of a powdery substance around the terminals and connectors. Although a little corrosion is normal due to the chemical reactions in the battery, excessive corrosion can be alarming. Your dealer's technicians can inspect the battery to determine whether it just needs some cleaning or a replacement.

4. Countless Jump Starts

Are you forced to jump-start your vehicle every time you need to start it? Frequent jump starts may provide a temporary solution to recharging a weak battery, but they also signal impending failure. Your battery can no longer hold sufficient charge between uses to start the car.

5. Electronics Acting Up

As your battery starts to fail, it will be unable to power your electronics when the car is starting or idling. Your headlights will start to flicker, and the power windows will slow down due to inadequate power. Other electronics like the radio, display, powered seats, and interior lights will also start to malfunction.

6. Battery Is Getting Old

Car batteries have a limited lifespan of three to five years, depending on usage conditions, maintenance, and battery quality. As the battery ages, it loses its capacity to store and produce charge, leading to electrical issues in the car.

Replace your old battery once you notice these signs to avoid being stranded. Contact Courtesy CDJR to order a new battery for your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM.

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