Today’s batteries should last for four or five years under normal circumstances, but how do you know if your battery is nearing its end? Here are the six key warning signs to look out for.

1) Problems with Ignition

An engine that’s difficult to start is usually the first sign of a fading battery. If ignition is a slow, spluttering process rather than a smooth and immediate one, an aging battery is the likely culprit. While there are several other potential causes of ignition problems, from dirty spark plugs to a poor mix of fuel and air, if your vehicle has difficulty starting, checking out the battery should be your first line of investigation.

2) Clicking Noises on Ignition

In the worst cases, a poor battery means that the engine won’t start at all. If turning the key creates only a series of clicking noises rather than firing up the engine, it usually means the battery is fully discharged and probably needs replacing. However, this also could signal a problem with the starter or alternator.

2) Low Headlight Levels

The increased use of headlights in the winter months can quickly take its toll on a battery. If your lights seem a little dimmer than usual, especially if they’re low when you first start your car but brighten up after driving for a while, the battery failing to hold on to charge is the most likely cause.

3) Dashboard Lights

If the engine warning light on the dashboard illuminates, low battery power is one of the most likely reasons. A battery check is quick, easy, and inexpensive, and could rule out many other more expensive reasons for the alert, such as a faulty alternator or another electrical issue.

4) Physical Deterioration

If you suspect that your battery might be starting to fade, pop open the hood and take a quick look at the casing. If there are any bulges or cracks in the plastic, or any corrosion around the terminals, it’s a sign that the battery is heading for failure and will need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

5) Strange Odours

Even if there are no visible signs of the battery aging, you might notice a sulphurous smell that’s usually a sign of a leak. Any strange odours coming from a battery should be investigated immediately, as it’s likely that a complete failure isn’t far down the track.

6) Unreliable Electronics

Lastly, a fading battery can cause all sorts of mayhem with your vehicle’s electric systems. Even before the charge disappears completely, features such as climate control or infotainment systems can start to behave unpredictably. This is especially likely when the vehicle is first started, and a large amount of power is needed for ignition. A failing battery might not have enough juice to reliably run other features at the same time.

If you come across any of these warning signs, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle’s battery checked before you risk being stranded with a car that won’t start. Book a service appointment by clicking on the button below, and make sure that your car’s electrical system is fully up to the challenges of the winter months ahead.