The vehicles we drive often play a vital role in our day to day lives. While many of the cars we see on the road usually differ in performance, design and style according to the owner’s preference, it serves as the primary mode of transportation for many South African households and is important in getting from point A to point B.
As we navigate through life traveling long journeys to work, school or even on a road trip, the possibility of the vital components that keeps the car going is guaranteed to experience a process called wear and tear after driving for a certain amount of years. This ultimately affects the overall quality of your driving experience and can make it an unpleasant one.
One of the more vital components that will go through this process is the batter of your car.
The car manufacturing company Tesla explains that a car battery plays a vital role in ensuring that the everyday uses of the vehicle is fully functional.
“The car battery powers the vehicle’s electrical system, providing energy for ignition, lights, and accessories,” explains the above-mentioned source.
However, when this important part of your vehicle starts losing its power you may want to replace it as soon as possible.
Here are a few signs worth looking out for:
Your battery is old
According to the automotive company Ford, most batteries are designed to last a period of three to five years. Which means that if you have not replaced it yet, you may want to do so soon. Ford explains that you can check how healthy the battery is based on its voltage level.
“A healthy battery should have a voltage level of 12.6 or higher,” explains Ford.
Windows roll slowly
As mentioned before a battery plays a vital role in ensuring that electrical components functions optimally, which is why the reputable source Synchrony highlights that another sign is when ones windows take longer to role up and when the engine is off. According to the source this could be due to lack of power.
Struggles to start in the morning
Ford explains that if your car is struggling to start in the morning your battery is likely to blame and should be replaced.
Dim headlights when idling
Synchrony states that when the headlights look dim while the car is idling but becomes brighter when accelerating, it means that your battery is not holding charge anymore.
Also see: The cost of fuel giving you sleepless nights? Here’s tips to make your petrol last longer
