A car’s unsung hero is its battery that quietly keeps your vehicle running. Your vehicle’s battery powers everything from the engine’s start-up to your radio and dashboard lights.
However, what happens when your battery is reaching the end of its life? Is it safe to drive a car when its battery is nearing the end of its lifespan?
Before we go any further, let’s confirm the signs that your battery is reaching the end of its life.
Signs Your Battery Is Reaching End of Life
Many modern vehicles will display a warning light when your car’s battery is nearing the end of its lifespan. If, however, these warning alerts are not working, you can keep an eye out for these common signs:
Slow Engine Crank
A slow engine crank is one of the earliest warning signs that your car battery is failing. When you turn the key or push the start button, a healthy car battery delivers an intense burst of electrical current to the starter motor, which turns on the engine – in layman’s terms.
However, if your battery ages or degrades, it is a clear sign that it is reaching the end of its life.
Dim Lights
The headlights and dashboard lights may appear dimmer when your car’s battery is nearing the end of its lifespan. Your lights will begin to dim because your car’s battery has lost the ability to deliver an electrical current consistently.
Electrical Glitches
If your lights are beginning to dim, your car will likely also be experiencing electrical glitches!
These electrical glitches will present as inconsistent electrical system faults, which include:
- Power windows,
- Infotainment centre,
- Dashboard indicators,
- And more.
Corrosion And Leaks
Sometimes, when your car’s battery is reaching the end of its lifespan, there will be visible signs of corrosion on the battery terminals or unusual leaks from the battery case.
If you spot any visual irregularities, we recommend changing your battery.
Recognising these symptoms early can help you plan to replace your car’s battery before you get stranded.
But what are the risks of driving around with a battery nearing the end of its life?
The Risks of Driving with a Failing Battery
It might be tempting to ignore a battery nearing the end of its lifespan. However, driving around with one poses several risks, such as:
Unexpected Breakdowns
Your car’s battery nearing the end of its life can work for a while, but it’s like a ticking time bomb. The longer you drive with it, the higher the chance it will fail at a critical moment.
For example, a completely drained battery can stop working when you’re in heavy traffic or far from a service station.
Impact on Vehicle Electronics
Most modern vehicles are equipped with a range of electronic systems. If your battery is reaching the end of its life, it could lead to erratic behaviours from these systems.
These systems range from malfunctioning infotainment systems to erratic gauge readings.
Also, electrical inconsistencies can affect your overall driving experience and may even c
compromise safety.
Inconvenience and Safety Hazards
A sudden battery failure can leave you stranded in potentially unsafe conditions.
In these situations, an inconvenience can quickly become a safety hazard.
So, how do you prevent this situation from occurring?
Lowering Risks Of A Failing Battery
You can take two routes to prevent your car’s battery from reaching the end of its life unexpectedly:
Regular Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on your car’s battery will ensure it lasts longer. These maintenance tasks include cleaning off corrosion and dirt from terminal points and ensuring connections are not loose.
It’s also essential to have a professional test of the health of your battery. Many auto repair shops and parts stores offer free battery testing. It’s a good idea to check your battery’s health periodically, especially if you’re noticing warning signs.
Lastly, replace your battery if it shows signs of failure, and don’t wait.
Replacing it before it reaches the end of its life can prevent unexpected breakdowns and additional damage to your vehicle’s electrical system.
Emergency Preparedness
If you cannot implement these regular maintenance habits, you can prepare for the worst.
If you suspect your battery is reaching the end of its lifespan, consider having a backup plan, like a smart jumpstarting kit. Also, keep the contact information of a reliable roadside assistance service.
If you have more questions, you can always visit a SABAT Xpress outlet or one of our many stockists.
