The battery is a key component of your car. Unless it is in good working order, the engine will probably not start and if it does, important electrical systems such as the air-conditioning and headlights will underperform or not work at all. All of this will make it very difficult for you to drive anywhere. Below is a quick guide which will help you to troubleshoot car battery problems.
Inspect the Battery
Opening up the bonnet and taking a look at your car battery can provide plenty of possible clues as to what the problem is. If you have overcharged your battery, there is a good chance it will overheat, which will cause the plastic casing which surround the battery to begin to bulge or crack. You will also be able to spot any fluid which is leaking from the battery. Any damage to the battery or leaking fluid is a sign that the battery needs to be replaced. You should have the car and battery inspected by a qualified auto mechanic as soon as possible.
Check the Voltage
If you can see no obvious signs of damage to the battery, your next job is to check the voltage. To do this you will need to use a volt meter, which can be purchased from any garage or maintenance shop. The voltage of a fully charged car battery should be in the range of 12.66 volts. If the voltage of the battery is significantly below this, you may need to remove the battery and charge it. If after charging the battery is still showing a low voltage, you should have it inspected by a mechanic. There is a good chance you will need to replace the battery.
Check the Fluid Level
The fluid contained within your car battery naturally evaporates, so if you experience problems with your battery, it is worth checking the fluid levels. To do this, open the ports on the top of the battery and shine a torch into them. The fluid should be in contact with the bottom of the filler tubes. If the fluid is low, top it up and replace the port covers. You can then attempt to start the engine again. You should also take note of the consistency of the fluid. If it looks thick or lumpy, this may be due to the build up of sulphate, in which case you will need the services of an auto repair shop.
You have any questions or concerns about your car battery, you should have it fully serviced by a qualified mechanic.
Share27 June 2016
It's easy to get overlooked when you head into get your car serviced if you are a woman. I have found the trick to getting the auto repairers to take me seriously is to do some research beforehand and look at what the log book says they need to replace this service. I wish I had started doing it earlier because it's also helping me trouble shoot repair issues and I'm saving myself a lot of time and stress this way. I'm keeping track of everything I have learned on this blog so I can share it with other new drivers and help them understand their auto service requirements as well.