The battery is one of the most vital components in the engine, as it supplies the power necessary to start your engine. As the battery gets older, it will weaken and this will cause a range of issues like starting problems or misfiring. As your GMC dealer, we’d like you to know a few signs that you may need to visit us for a new car battery fairly soon.
Signs You Need a New Car Battery From Your GMC Dealer
Dim Headlights
If your headlights look dimmer than they should be, your battery could be failing. When your engine is switched off, the battery supplies power to all the electrical systems, including the headlights, alarm, and locks. The reduced luminescence can be caused by a weak battery that can’t supply enough power for the lights to shine brightly.
You can test this by switching on your engine and comparing the brightness of the lights. If your lights are brighter than they were when the engine was switched off, your battery is probably failing and will need replacement. If your lights look just as bright, your headlight bulbs will need replacement. We’ll test your battery and replace it if necessary. If the bulbs are failing, we’ll quickly replace them.
Rotten Egg Smell
A rotten egg smell seeping from under the hood might be due to a failing battery. This foul smell is due to hydrogen sulfide, which can form in the engine if the battery is weak. Sulfuric acid inside the battery releases hydrogen as it breaks down, and the hydrogen will escape the battery and enter the engine compartment. It can join with sulfur molecules in the engine to create hydrogen sulfide.
Hydrogen sulfide is toxic and corrosive, and it will form an acidic salt that will further damage the battery by eating into the terminals and other metal components. A battery that’s releasing hydrogen can’t be repaired and will cause additional damage as it fails. Our technicians can prevent these potential problems by removing and replacing the battery.
Loose Battery Connections
The battery is securely connected to the electrical system by two metal connectors that attach to the battery terminals. The connectors must be tightly connected to the terminals, as electricity can’t pass through any gap. Over time, the slight movement of the cables as you drive can cause one or both of the connectors to loosen.
A loose connector will prevent the battery from recharging and stop the battery from supplying the power to start the engine. The battery warning light will illuminate to show there’s a problem in the electrical system. We’ll check the connections and tighten them securely, and your battery will recharge and supply power as it should again.
If you’re experiencing any battery issues, contact us right away at Pierre GMC of Everett in Everett, WA.
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