Over time, your Chevy’s battery can die for several different reasons. Some of the reasons include age, a worn alternator, or damaged battery connectors. A healthy battery is essential for providing the power to start your engine. When the time comes that you need a new car battery, your Chevy dealer can install it for you. We’d like you to know these signs that your battery is failing.
An Old Battery
As your battery gets older, it slowly grows weaker. A good battery has to both retain a charge and supply a charge. The older your battery gets, the less able it is to charge. Its maximum charging limit gradually declines, and it can no longer fully charge to its reduced level. These signs aren’t noticeable until the point is reached that your battery can’t supply enough power.
Your battery supplies the power to start your engine and maintain your car’s electrical systems. When a battery’s electrical supply drops to less than 12V, it’s showing clear signs of failing. We can test your battery for you to check its status. Our battery tester will put your battery through a series of tests, and if your battery fails, we recommend its immediate replacement.
Worn Alternator
Sometimes a problem with the battery is due to another component. If your battery is healthy and suddenly shows signs of failing, your alternator is the most likely cause. Your battery stores and supplies power, but it has no way to create electricity. Your alternator’s job is to supply your battery with the power it needs. If your alternator is healthy, a good battery will always stay fully charged.
If your alternator starts to wear out, it will supply less and less power. This lack of power becomes a serious problem when your alternator can no longer meet your car’s electrical demands. The lack of power generation means your battery will receive less power when it recharges. The demands on your battery for power for the starter remain the same, however, and this lack of adequate recharging will kill your battery.
Damaged Battery Connectors
Your battery must have a secure connection to your charging system to receive and supply power. Your battery has two connectors: a positive and a negative. These connectors allow electricity to flow in and out of the battery. If a problem develops with the connectors, your battery will very quickly fail. Two of the main causes of a connector failure are loose connectors and corroded connectors.
The connectors should fit tightly. In time, however, these connectors can slightly loosen due to vibrations and movement. If the connectors are securely attached, your battery won’t receive or supply power correctly. Corrosion can also form on the terminals, and this corrosion will interfere with the electrical currents passing in and out of the battery.
If your battery is showing signs it’s weakening, call our service department right away at Hansen Motor Co.
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