Recognizing the Signs of a Failing Car Battery in Your Ford

Few things are as frustrating as dealing with a failing car battery. Fortunately, you can visit your local Ford dealership for a tune-up, and if necessary, you can obtain a new car battery. In some cases, the problem might lie elsewhere. 

How to Tell You Need a New Car Battery From Your Ford Dealership

Dim Lighting

One of the first signs that your Ford’s battery is dying is when the lights are too dim. Normally, lighting should appear bright when a door or the trunk is open. However, a failing battery can cause flickering headlights or dim interior and exterior lights.

Engine Starts Slowly or Not at All

Your engine should turn upon start-up, but if it starts slowly while making a clicking sound, your battery might be failing. You can also tell that it needs to be replaced if your engine fails to start up at all. Your ignition needs sufficient energy to start up your Ford, but it can’t do that with a bad battery.

Electrical Issues

All of the electrical components of your Ford should immediately work, but this is not the case with a failing battery. You can tell that it’s dying when you have issues like your infotainment system not booting up, your phone not charging when plugged in, or your windows not opening or closing at the press of a button, among others. If only one of these is an issue, check under your vehicle’s hood to be sure of the culprit.

Connectors Have Corrosion

Over time, batteries go bad, and their connectors may show corrosion. Look under your car’s hood and check them; if you notice a greenish or whitish powdery substance, this is indeed the case. Get a replacement as soon as possible.

Warping on the Battery Case

When a car battery is worn and failing, its case may start to warp and bulge. This is a sign that you need to replace it immediately to prevent it from exploding, which can cause battery acid to leak inside your engine. Normally, car batteries are rectangular, but your guard should be up if you notice its shape protruding.

If your vehicle isn’t running smoothly, a new battery might be the solution. Contact us at Cloninger Ford in Salisbury, NC to get a replacement. We’re here to provide you with everything you need for your wheels.

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