Your car battery helps start your engine and keep it going by sending electrical impulses to the starter and spark plugs. It powers your headlamps, GPS, dashboard, stereo, air conditioner, and wipers. It also acts as a surge protector for the advanced computer systems in every modern Chevy. If your battery dies, you’ll have all kinds of car trouble, so let’s take a look at five signs you should visit your local Chevy dealer for a new car battery.
Does Your Chevy Need a New Car Battery?
Your Engine Won’t Start
If your battery’s out of power, you won’t be able to start your engine. The easiest way out of this pickle is with a jump start. When the engine gets going, the alternator will take over, keeping the battery charged.
But if you find this problem occurring often, then your battery might be on its last legs. You’ll need to buy a new one.
You’re Idling Roughly
A Chevy’s engine should purr happily away when in idle. If your engine starts sputtering and struggling when idling, one reason might be a dying battery.
This is because a failing battery needs to draw more heavily on the alternator and engine for power. At the same time, it sends a less consistent flow of power to the spark plugs.
Your Headlights Are Faltering
Dimming headlights might be due to problems with the bulbs, wiring, or battery. If only one headlight is failing, then it’s most likely the bulb or wiring. Swap out the bulb or test it with a multimeter to see if that’s the case.
Your Electronics Fail
If you notice persistent trouble with any of your electronics, your battery might be at fault. Two or more electronics faltering at the same time almost certainly point to your battery.
Your Battery Is Warped, Cracked, Corroded, or Leaking
At any indication of battery trouble, pop your hood to examine the battery itself. If the casing is warped or cracked, you’ll need to replace it. Also, if you notice any leaking battery acid or corrosion on the metallic parts, then that battery needs to go.
Faulty Battery vs Faulty Alternator
When a battery has problems, sometimes the alternator is to blame. The alternator converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical power to keep your battery charged. So if the alternator is working well, a car can keep going, even if the battery is failing, because the engine keeps electrical power flowing through the alternator.
However, if the alternator fails, the car will quickly stall as your battery cannot recharge. When stalled, to test if the problem lies with your alternator or battery, jump start the car. If it keeps going, your battery was likely to blame. If it stalls again shortly thereafter, the alternator is at fault.
Ask Your Chevy Dealer to Check
The easiest way to know for sure is to ask a technician at your local dealership to check both your battery and your alternator. They can run various tests and also use specialist tools to diagnose the problem.
Have a friendly, experienced professional inspect your battery today at Bommarito Chevrolet South County. We’re a trusted local dealership dedicated to providing the region’s Chevy drivers with the very best in vehicles, servicing, and financing.
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