Battery warning: the signs your battery gives you so you can replace it in time

One of the most common situations we encounter when turning the ignition key is that the car won’t start, showing no signs of life. The cause is fairly clear. It is possible that the battery has run out of charge and we find that it has no energy to power any of the electrical components the car has. This is the moment to replace the battery.

But before this happens, the battery gives several signals so we know it is failing and needs replacing. The battery is the system that stores electrical energy and powers all of the car’s electrical components, from the starter motor to the radio, including the lights and all the other electrical systems. That is why, when something starts to fail, it can be due to the battery’s charge.

First warnings

• The first warning comes from the dashboard warning light, a red signal shaped like a battery with the “+” and “-” symbols. It normally lights up when the ignition is turned on, but if it stays on, it means the battery is not supplying the energy needed to perform its function properly.
• If the car takes a long time to start, especially on winter mornings when it is very cold. This is another of the clearest signs. It may take some time to run out completely, but it is already warning that there is a problem.
• There are small faults in the electrical systems, such as the electric windows, loss of power in the lights or changes in their brightness. This means that it is not supplying enough energy for everything to work correctly.

How to check the battery’s condition

To find out whether the battery is in good condition, you need to use a voltmeter. With this tool you can measure the battery’s voltage. It should be at least 12.5 volts. If it is below this voltage, consider going to the workshop and proceeding with a battery replacement.

Replacing the battery

Replacing the battery is one of the most common tasks and can be done at home. That said, with the most modern models it is better to have this operation carried out by a professional mechanic. The reason is clear: the ever-growing presence of electronic components makes it harder to remove the battery and fit the new one. Above all, because a mistake during this operation can cause problems in the car’s electronics.

On older cars, the battery is more accessible and easier to remove. On more modern models, it is better that a professional carries out this operation, as it requires specific preparation and very particular tools.

If you choose to buy a battery for the car from outside the workshop, even if the workshop will still do the fitting, there are several things to keep in mind. The main one is that the new battery must have the same voltage as the depleted one. It also needs to be the same size and have the terminals in the same position.