Your car's battery tucked away in the corner of the engine compartment plays a far more critical role than its position beneath the hood indicates. That's because it's more than just another part. You rely on your battery every day to start your vehicle, keep the electrical systems running, and recharge for the next day. Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville understands this, so we test your battery on every service visit as part of our free inspection.

It isn't always easy to know when your battery starts to fail. However, there are signs. To help you understand the importance of a healthy battery and how to spot a failing one, we'll take a deep dive into how your battery works and what to do when it doesn't.

Signs of a Bad Car Battery

Although car batteries are quite durable, they don't last forever. Over time, they can start to wear out and require replacement. Some of the warning signs of a battery that may be failing include:

Clicking Sound From the Ignition

If you put your key into the ignition and turn, you should hear the unmistakable sound of an engine starting up. However, a clicking sound can indicate that the battery isn't supplying enough power to the starter, which cranks the engine. If a battery's voltage drops even slightly, it can no longer provide all the electrical power necessary to operate the systems in the vehicle. The starter tends to be one of the first components affected by a battery that's giving out.

Dim Lights

Since the vehicle's lighting system relies on electrical power supplied by the battery, dim lighting can indicate that the voltage is declining. Dim headlights are especially noticeable since they'll make it difficult to see the road ahead. Continuing to drive with insufficient exterior lighting is a safety risk, so get the battery checked out before you drive in the dark. If the battery isn't the problem, you may have a wiring issue or burned-out bulbs that need to be fixed.

Other electrical components, such as power windows and the audio system, may also behave strangely when they don't get enough power from a dying battery. You might notice that your interior lights flicker, your windows won't always go up or down when you engage the switch, or your radio turns on and off randomly. If you're dealing with these issues, make an appointment with the service department at Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville to get the battery tested.

Engine Is Slow to Start

When an engine is slow to turn over or start, your battery may be to blame. After starting your car hundreds of times (or more), you're probably familiar with how it typically sounds during this process. If you notice anything different, such as unique sounds or a slower starting process, it's worthwhile to have your battery tested. Doing so could prevent you from getting stranded somewhere with a completely dead battery in the near future.

Unpleasant Odors

The smell of sulfur, often described as a rotten egg odor, can indicate that the battery in your vehicle is leaking. When you lift the hood of the car, you may notice that the smell is especially potent. A battery could leak if damage occurs to the case or terminals or it's reaching the end of its lifespan. An internal short-circuit can also lead to a leak. You'll need to replace the battery to prevent corrosion and other issues caused by leaking acid.

Have Your Battery Tested Today

At Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville, our service center technicians receive continuous training on all vehicle systems, including your battery. We use state-of-the-art tools and equipment to diagnose and fix your electrical problems. If you think you have a compromised battery, our technicians can quickly test its performance. In most cases, we can replace your battery in minutes, getting you back to your busy life.

Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville wants your Lewisville commute to go uninterrupted by break down or battery failure. We encourage our clients to schedule routine maintenance to help keep their cars running in tip-top shape. No matter the reason for your visit, we'll test your battery as a complementary part of our service.