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How do you know if your car battery is dead? Check out our 5 simple tips!

Are you leaving for work or college in the morning and your car won't start? Everyone's been through this problem, right? So how do you know if your car battery is dead? Check out our 5 simple tips!

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Did your car battery die? Don't get stranded, learn how to avoid it!

Mas, afinal, como saber se a bateria do carro estragou? Fonte: Adobe Stock.
But how do you actually know if your car battery is dead? Source: Adobe Stock.

A situation that almost everyone has experienced is when you turn the car key and it won't start. This problem is often a sign that the battery is faulty. But how do you know if your car battery is dead?

So, it's one of the components that most often presents problems in a car, because its lifespan is limited. And worse, it fails when you least expect it, leaving you in difficult situations.

Therefore, it's always good to pay attention to a few details to avoid problems when starting your vehicle, because since it's not that expensive, it's best to check if it's time to replace it.

Therefore, you can avoid higher expenses with towing services or roadside assistance, for example. So, we'll show you 5 practical tips to know if your car battery is dead. And also, some tips on how to prevent this problem from happening. Read on!

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5 practical tips to know if your car battery is dead or not: check it out! 

Confira nossas dicas práticas. Fonte: Unsplash.
Check out our practical tips. Source: Unsplash.

Okay, so your car won't start and the problem is probably with the battery. Below are 5 tips to help you determine if it's faulty.

1. Battery discharging

A very common sign is when your battery is frequently discharging, as this is a warning that its lifespan is coming to an end. Or, if it's a new battery under warranty, it's probably defective and you should request a replacement.

2. Battery with a strong odor or leaking.

Another factor that can indicate if the battery is damaged is if it is emitting a strong odor, or even leaking water. If this happens, it's a sign that it's overheating. Therefore, it's more than time to replace it with a new one.

3. Verdigris at the poles

Verifique as condições da bateria. Fonte: Pexels.
Check the battery condition. Source: Pexels.

Another symptom that indicates a weak battery is if the terminals are covered in corrosion. And what is corrosion? Corrosion is that greenish residue that accumulates on the terminals over time.

This hinders the flow of electric current and prevents it from functioning properly. Therefore, if this is the reason, have it cleaned. You can find several tips online on how to clean it correctly.

4. The engine turns slowly or doesn't turn at all.

Well, when trying to start the car, the engine turns slowly or doesn't start at all. This is another indicator that your vehicle's battery doesn't have enough charge. Therefore, its lifespan may be ending because it's not charging properly. So, to avoid being stranded, it's a good idea to replace it.

5. Manufacturing date

Car batteries typically don't have a defined expiration date, but they do have a limited lifespan. Therefore, check the manufacturing date on the top of your car battery, as they generally last around two years. Some last a little longer. In any case, if that period has already passed, it may be time to retire your battery and replace it with a new one.

So, these are some of the symptoms that batteries exhibit, indicating that at some point they will let you down.

Furthermore, malfunctions can cause problems for both the alternator and the electrical components of your car. But before you go out and buy another one, it's a good idea to test it to determine its actual condition. Therefore, find an authorized dealer and request one.

Through this test, the voltage being supplied and the battery's charge level are measured. It's also possible to verify if, when starting the car, the necessary voltage is maintained to start it. Thus, with these tests, it will be possible to identify if it's really time to replace the battery.

Furthermore, if you trust the dealer, you can ask for their opinion regarding the actual need for the replacement, thus avoiding unnecessary costs. Also, request a test of the alternator, as the problem may be with this component.

Useful tips to prevent battery damage.

Well, every car owner probably already knows that batteries are sensitive to cold. This is because the chemical reaction that produces electrical energy becomes more difficult to carry out in low temperatures. That's where the problem arises, but it doesn't mean the batteries are faulty.

Also, avoid leaving electrical equipment plugged in while the car's engine is off, as this can cause a greater electrical discharge. Additionally, it's good to avoid leaving the vehicle parked in the garage for extended periods. Therefore, even if you're not going to leave the house, it's best to regularly start the engine for a while.

So, we hope this article has helped you avoid problems when using your car.

Therefore, it's always good to be attentive. Simply replacing the battery can prevent you from incurring much higher expenses or unpleasant problems, because, depending on where the car has problems, you might have to pay for a tow truck or a mechanic. Or even damage electrical equipment, which costs more than a simple battery.

Finally, don't make the mistake of trying to save money by buying refurbished parts or parts from unknown brands. Always look for trusted brands with warranties to avoid problems. That way, you won't regret it later and you can drive your vehicle without fear of being surprised.

And if you want to learn more interesting facts about the automotive world, check out below which cars are the most expensive to fill up the tank in 2022!

TOP 15 most expensive cars to fill up the tank

See here which vehicles are the most expensive to fill up in 2022, and pay attention before buying one of these models!

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