Signs You Need a New Car Battery

Everyday life is already full of problems without being stranded with a car that's come to a grinding halt because of a failed battery.

The battery in your Chevy is tasked with powering each and every electrical system in your vehicle that you can think of, so it's in all owners' best interest to ensure that their car's battery is delivering the goods.

Stay with us as we share with you the importance of caring for your Chevy's battery and the signs you need a new car battery.

Understanding Your Car Battery's Role

Let's first learn more about the role a battery plays in your car.

Your Chevy, just like every other modern vehicle, be it a pickup truck, city sedan, or SUV, requires a battery that typically provides a 12-volt output and the necessary current (amperage) to start the engine, run the engine management systems, safety system modules, comfort accessories, and plenty more while the engine is running and also when the engine is off.

A dead or dying battery will just not be able to store and provide sufficient current for these processes, and eventually, a poorly working battery will result in the inconvenience and frustration of being stuck along the roadside, or hopefully not in some dodgy downtown part of your city.

What Is the Average Life of a Good Car Battery?

There are good battery brands, and then there are the cheap and nasty offerings that come with their own set of issues, like a shorter working life, less starting power, and high failure rates due to lower-grade technology, materials, and construction.

Decent quality car batteries should be good for around three years, and if you are the lucky type, even five years is possible. The average life of your Chevy's battery does, however, depend on factors such as driving conditions, type of daily travel, weather conditions, and, of course, correct regular maintenance.

Other electrical systems, like the good working condition of your Chevy's alternator and charging system, will have a direct impact on the lifespan of the battery.

Common Signs of a Failing Battery

A dashboard that doesn't light up when turning your key to start the engine is an obvious sign that something's amiss with your vehicle's battery.

Let's share some of the telltale signs that point to a failing battery.

1. Slow Engine Crank or Hard Starts

Turning the key in your vehicle should immediately start your engine and get it running. A slow engine crank or an engine that is reluctant to fire up into life is a sure sign that there is insufficient current coming from the battery.

These slow engine crank and hard start symptoms are worse in colder temperatures.

2. Dim Headlights and Electrical Issues

Insufficient current will cause your headlamps to be dim, along with incorrect functioning of accessories like the power windows or door locks.

3. Dashboard Warning Light

Your Chevy's dashboard alternator warning light will illuminate when the battery voltage is low or there is a charging issue.

4. Clicking Noise When Starting the Car

Often, a rapid clicking noise will be heard when turning the key, which indicates that the battery doesn't have enough power to crank the engine over.

Less Obvious Warning Signs

Drivers should also be aware of the following less obvious signs you need a new car battery.

5. Frequent Jump Starts

Having to frequently pull out jumper cables to boost your car's battery or having to push start if fitted with a manual transmission to get it running is not only frustrating but points to a definite problem with the battery.

6. Corrosion on Battery Terminals

Regular visual inspections of your battery are recommended. Any buildup of white, blue, or greenish corrosion residue on your Chevy's battery terminals can interfere with the correct electrical flow.

7. Swollen or Leaking Battery Case

A battery that has internal damage will cause the battery's plastic case to become bloated or swollen, which can lead to the battery cracking and emptying corrosive fluids into your engine bay, with possible damage to paintwork.

8. Unusual Smells like Rotten Eggs

Don't blame your kids or dog for this odd one, but a leaking battery or a battery with internal damage can oftentimes release unusual sulfurous or "rotten egg" smells.

When to Test or Replace Your Battery

Regular maintenance of any vehicle should include a battery service that typically includes a diagnostic test with a special battery tester, as found at any good vehicle service center.

A healthy battery should give a reading of 12.6 volts and up while your vehicle is standing, and anything from 13.7 to 14.7 volts once the engine is running, indicating a correctly functioning alternator and charging system.

Lower voltage readings of 12 volts or less mean that a new battery is in your Chevy's future.

How Often to Test Your Battery

Your battery should be tested at least twice a year, especially if you start noticing signs you need a new car battery, or before winter or any long road trips.

It's highly recommended to make use of a reputable and qualified service center or, better yet, a Chevrolet-certified service center to get the best possible diagnosis.

When to Visit a Certified Chevy Service Center

Owners experiencing any of the above-shared common signs of a failing battery should get their battery tested and replaced if necessary at a certified Chevrolet service center to avoid being left stranded.

Why Choose a Chevrolet Certified Service Center

Why risk poor service levels when it comes to critical maintenance on your Chevy?

Professional Battery Testing and Replacement

Chevrolet's certified technicians know exactly the right testing process and the exact battery replacement for your Chevy model to keep it running just the same as the day it rolled out of GM's factory.

Genuine Chevrolet Parts and Warranty Coverage

Chevrolet's parent company, GM, highly recommends using AC Delco batteries, which are the true General Motors OE parts brand in your Chevy.

Chevrolet's ACDelco car batteries offer warranties that vary by product line. For example, the aftermarket replacement batteries from their top "Gold" line generally have an impressive 42-month limited warranty.

Get Your Car Battery Serviced at Colonial Chevrolet

Colonial Chevrolet in New London, CT, is always ready to provide you with an amazing customer service experience. Visit us if your vehicle starts showing possible signs you need a new car battery.

When having your car battery serviced at our certified service center, our skilled technicians will ensure that your Chevy receives the best possible maintenance and care.