The battery’s most important job is to supply the electricity that starts your engine. Its second task is to maintain the electrical system when the engine is switched off. In time, the battery will wear out or become damaged, and you’ll need a replacement. As your Ford dealer, we’d like you to know a few signs that you need to visit us for a new car battery.
Loose Connections
The battery is connected to the electrical system by two clamps: one attached to the positive terminal and the other to the negative terminal. These clamps are securely connected so electricity can’t pass through any gap. As you drive, these cables will move slightly, and these movements can gradually cause one or both clamps to loosen.
A loose clamp prevents the battery from receiving or supplying electricity. If your engine won’t start, the problem could be a loose clamp. We’ll examine the battery connections and tighten them if they’re loose.
Bad Smell
Sulfur dioxide has an awful smell that’s similar to rotten eggs. Under normal circumstances, you’ll never smell this stench, as sulfur dioxide shouldn’t be present in your engine. This chemical forms in response to a failing battery. A battery uses chemicals, like sulfuric acid, to store electricity as chemical energy and supply it when needed.
As time passes, the chemical reactions in the battery cause the sulfuric acid to break down, and it releases hydrogen gas when this happens. The hydrogen gas leaves the battery and combines with sulfur molecules already present in the engine. Together, they form sulfur dioxide, and you’ll start to smell its characteristic stench. We can fix this problem by replacing the weak battery, and the smell will dissipate.
Damaged Alternator
Your battery might be fine, but it’s not working correctly as it’s not being sufficiently recharged. The battery uses a large amount of electricity to power the starter that starts your engine. The electricity used should be replenished by the alternator once the engine is running. The alternator’s function is to generate electricity for your car’s systems and to keep the battery constantly charged.
The alternator will eventually start to weaken, and when this happens, it produces less electricity than it previously did. The reduced electricity supply will affect battery recharging, as the battery will receive less electricity than it uses, and this will cause the battery to also weaken. The check battery light will illuminate as a warning that something is wrong. We’ll test your alternator and replace it if it’s failing, and we’ll also test the battery to ensure it’s still healthy.
Most battery problems are quick and easy to fix. Contact our service department today at Jim Hudson Ford in Lexington, SC.
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