When it comes to electrical issues in cars, a failing battery is almost always the culprit. Your car battery supplies the power that the rest of the electrical components of your vehicle require to work. Without it, your car won't start, let alone work properly.
If you are experiencing electrical problems in your car, here's how to tell whether the battery is to blame.
Check for Loose Battery Connection
Sometimes, the electrical problem you are experiencing in your car might be caused by a loose battery connection. When the power cables connected to your battery aren't tight enough, they can result in power cuts, which affect the normal functioning of your vehicle's electrical system.
Open the bonnet of your car to check if the battery connection cables are still intact. If not, re-tighten them and try to start your vehicle. If the vehicle won't start properly, you might have a faulty battery.
Check for Corroded Battery Connection
Another likely cause of battery failure is the presence of corrosion of the battery connection. If you can see coloured — whitish, greyish or brownish — gunk on your battery terminals, you have a corrosion problem.
To fix the issue, you will need to disconnect the power cables connected to the battery terminals and then remove the gunk. Cleaning corroded battery terminals is super easy. You will need to use baking soda, water, a wire brush (or a stiff-bristled brush) and petroleum jelly.
Start by sprinkling a small amount of baking soda on both terminals, followed by a few teaspoons of water on each terminal. You can then scrub off the corrosion by gently brushing the terminals with a wire brush or a stiff-bristled brush.
Once all the corrosion is gone, allow the terminals to dry properly and then apply some petroleum jelly onto them to prevent further corrosion. Re-establish the battery connection and try to start your car. If the problem persists, you might need a new battery.
Check Battery Age
Car batteries don't last forever — they have a limited lifespan. Checking the age of your battery is another way to tell if your battery is bad. If the battery has reached the end of its expected service life or is almost reaching that age, a replacement may be inevitable.
Your car's electrical system comprises much more than your battery. While the battery is the most probable cause of electrical issues in cars, other electrical parts might also be the culprit. That said, the reasons for vehicle electrical problems are many. If you can't tell which electrical system component is causing you problems, seek assistance from an auto electrics service near you.
Share16 January 2020
Cars are wonderful things. Unfortunately, they also have lots of technology and moving parts which can go wrong if they are not properly cared for. We hope that this blog will give you all of the info you need to service your car. We will be looking at subjects such as how to change the oil in an engine, how to replace a worn brake pad, and how to check the electrical systems on your vehicle. Everything you read on this page has been written by keen amateurs who have a really big passion for servicing their autos. We hope you love what you find here.
