No one wants to be in an unfamiliar place when their 2013 Chrysler 200 battery dies. Being stranded in a strange place is one of the worst feelings, especially if you are alone when it happens. Because you want to remain safe and have enough power for your car to get you back home, you need to know the warning signs of a dying car battery.
1. Lights Are Flickering
When a car battery is failing, you will start to notice dim lighting. The change will be most evident in the headlights. You might notice flickering interior and exterior lights depending on the output provided.
Reduced brightness is a safety concern but also signals that a battery is dying. You should take your vehicle to a local auto parts store to have the battery checked or replaced.
2. Car Will Not Start
When a battery is failing, you may have some mornings when the car starts fine and others when it won’t start at all, requiring a charge. If your vehicle needs a jump to start and there is no obvious reason the battery drained, like leaving lights on, it is likely time for a new battery.
3. Backfiring
You might not realize it, but the sudden backfiring of your car can stem from a failing 2015 Chrysler 200 battery. The failing battery can cause intermittent sparks, which can result in fuel accumulation in the cylinders. When the accumulated fuel ignites, it causes a backfire.
Backfiring is a symptom of many problems, but if the issue starts and is accompanied by other dying battery symptoms, it is likely time to get the battery checked. An auto parts store can test your battery to determine if it can be the underlying cause.
4. Clicking Sound When Turning the Key
A failing battery can cause a clicking sound when trying to start the key. The battery helps start the vehicle by sending an electrical current to the starter solenoid. The starter will make a clicking noise if the battery cannot send a strong enough current.
You may also notice the car is slower to crank or turn over. When you notice a slow crank and a clicking sound, don’t ignore them. Both are suggestive of a dying battery.
5. Starting Requires the Gas Pedal
Another surefire sign your car battery is dying is if you need to give the car some gas when trying to start it. Your vehicle should not need an extra boost to start. If you need to press the gas pedal to start the vehicle, you should have your battery checked or replaced.
Whether you have a battery for 2011 Nissan Altima or some other vehicle, it is only a matter of time before you’ll need to replace it. Batteries have a typical lifespan of three to four years, depending on your driving habits. If you have been experiencing any of the above issues, you should consider purchasing a new battery before you wind up stranded. Visit your local auto parts store for help.