When you’re in a hurry, you don’t want to get in your car and hear a clicking sound when you turn the ignition. There’s never a convenient time for a dead car battery, but in most cases, there are warning signs. If you pay close attention, you can have the car battery replaced before it dies, leaving you in a bind.

6 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Car’s Battery

1. Delayed Start

Starting your engine requires a lot of power that only your car battery can produce. If it’s nearing the end of its life, it might take a bit longer to get the engine started. This could happen only once or twice before it dies, so get to an auto repair shop as soon as possible to have the battery tested and replaced.

2. Malfunctioning Electrical Components

In addition to starting your engine, your car battery is also responsible for powering many of the other electrical components in your vehicle, from your power windows and headlights to the radio and dome lights. If you start having trouble with any of these, get a checkup to avoid a dead battery.

3. Illuminated Dashboard Warning Light

The dashboard warning light is a clear sign there’s something wrong. Just like the check engine light comes on when there’s an issue, this light will illuminate if your car’s battery isn’t being replenished or there’s an internal problem.

4. Misshapen Battery Case

Extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on many different auto parts in your vehicle, battery included. Excess heat or cold, particularly in cars that aren’t driven regularly, can cause it to expand, making the sides bulge.

5. Old Age

Most car batteries are designed to last four to five years. This number varies depending on temperature fluctuations and how frequently the vehicle is driven, but, once you hit the four-year mark, you should have an auto mechanic test and replace it when necessary.

6. Foul Smell

Following freezing, overcharging, or internal shortage, the battery case might vent a foul-smelling gas. If you detect a rotten-egg smell, get to an auto repair shop promptly. Not only will the car battery require replacement, but the sulfuric acid can damage nearby auto parts, resulting in even costlier repairs.

If you notice any of the above signs or don’t know how old your car battery is, bring it to A-1 Auto A/C Specialist & General Auto Repair in Honolulu, HI, to have it tested. Their skilled auto mechanics will check its condition and replace it, if needed. They also offer a range of other auto services and can handle everything from oil changes to brake repairs. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (808) 836-2939 to speak with an auto mechanic directly.