The battery provides the essential electrical charge that starts your engine. If your battery fails, you could be stuck looking for a tow or a jump-start. As your Nissan dealership, we want to tell you a few signs you need to visit us for a battery replacement.
Old Battery
The average battery life is three to five years. This relatively short lifespan is due to the naturally occurring sulfuric acid breakdown inside the battery. Sulfuric acid is critical for the battery as it must react with the copper plates to enable the battery to store and supply electricity. As the battery weakens, issues like slow starting, random electrical issues, and dim headlights will occur.
We recommend testing your battery when it reaches three years, as this is approximately midlife. Our technicians will connect your battery to our computerized battery tester. This machine subjects your battery to various stress tests to determine its remaining strength and storage capacity. If your battery is healthy, we suggest retesting it in about a year. If your battery is weak, we can install a replacement while you wait.
Loose Battery Connections
The battery has two connectors that attach to the positive and negative terminals. These connectors allow electricity to pass into and out of the battery and must fit tight against the connectors, as electricity can’t pass through a gap. As time passes, driving causes slight movements of the cables, and one or both connectors can break contact with the terminals.
If this happens, the battery won’t recharge and can’t supply power to systems that require it. Once the engine is switched off, it won’t start again until the connectors are securely reattached. The lack of power makes it appear as if the battery is dead. We’ll retighten the connectors, and your battery will work normally again.
Slow Starting
This is one of the most common signs of a battery problem. When you hit the start button, the battery sends a near instant electrical charge to the starter. The starter cranks the engine, beginning combustion and allowing your vehicle to move under its power. Starting the engine requires a fixed amount of power, and a weak battery eventually won’t store enough power to start your engine.
Our technicians will need to check your battery and the electrical system to confirm the battery is failing. Slow starting usually means a dying battery, but it could also be caused by loose wiring, a worn alternator, or several other issues. Once we’ve identified the cause of the trouble, we’ll repair it. If you have a battery problem, contact our service department today at Ken Ganley Nissan Medina in Medina, OH.
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