6 Signs Your Honda’s Battery Needs Replacement

Some drivers think car batteries die suddenly, out of the blue, leaving you stranded somewhere without warning. In fact, there are plenty of clues that your car’s battery is struggling. If you learn the symptoms, you won’t be taken unawares. Here’s a brief guide to spotting when you need battery replacement at your local Honda dealership.

Lights Fading When Idling

When a car’s charging system starts to malfunction, the headlights and dashboard lights may grow dimmer or even flicker when you pause the car in idle. Conversely, they might grow brighter when you accelerate. This points to a fault with either the alternator, wiring, or battery.

Multiple Failing Electronics

When young and strong, a healthy car battery can easily power many vehicle accessories even with the engine turned off. When your battery’s aging or faulty, this becomes too much for it. You’ll notice several electronics slow down at once, including the power windows, stereo, infotainment system, and air conditioner. 

Engine Hesitant To Start

Your starter will also struggle to do its job with a bad battery. When you press the starter button, if your engine drags slowly or clicks rather than leaping to life, either the starter or battery is faulty.

Sulfury Smell in the Cabin

Various things can damage a car battery, including excess vibrations, overly tight casing clamps, extreme temperatures, internal shorts, and overcharging. These hazards can sometimes cause a battery to crack and leak battery acid, which will create a strong sulfury smell you might detect from inside the cabin.

Corroded or Warped Battery

Aging or damaged car batteries may warp out of shape before cracking. If you suspect battery trouble, pop the hood and inspect yours. If the walls are even slightly malformed, you’ll need to replace it. Green-white corrosion on the terminals can also make a car battery useless and unable to properly deliver enough voltage. 

Really Old Battery 

The older your battery gets, the closer it comes to inevitable failure. As most car batteries last from three to five years, consider getting rid of yours once it passes this age range. 

Head to Your Local Honda Dealership for Quick Battery Replacement

You can stay on top of your battery’s condition with regular testing. Once a year, have your car’s entire electrical system inspected, including the battery. Our technicians can inform you of how much more life you can expect from your battery and whether or not a replacement is due. 

Whether your battery or any other vehicle component needs attention, you’re in safe hands with us. Bring your car along to Stirling Honda in Longview, WA. Our family-owned and run dealership has been providing top-notch automotive services for over 45 years. 

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