We’ve been the experts in the local battery industry for decades. But what are the most common faults battery faults, according to Google? Find out here!
Working in the motoring industry and specialising in servicing and fitting lead-acid car batteries, we’ve seen it all! That’s why if you do have a problem with your car’s battery, it is always best to bring it to your closest Willard Xpress center.
But before you pop in, you can also conduct some quick research yourself to diagnose the problem. But what will you find when you open your web browser and will the links be helpful?
So, rather than rattling off about what we think are the most common battery faults, we will use Google to inform us of the top results.
We typed into the search bar, “my car battery is -” and let technology do the rest. Here are our top results about the most common battery issues, as found on Google.
“My Car Battery is Draining Fast”
The purpose of a lead-acid car battery is to provide power to start your vehicle. It generates a charge that provides a spark to start the combustion in the engine. In more modern cars, it also assists with powering up the computers as well as:
- Lights
- Radio
- Wipers
- GPS
- And more
These features will drain the battery if the engine isn’t on and they are being solely powered by the battery.
Since a new car has loads of functions that rely on a battery to work properly, you need to turn on your car’s engine because these features are powered by an alternator, which then generates its own power.
But for now, let’s focus on the main reasons why your car’s battery would be draining too quickly.
Parasitic Drain
As we mentioned, the modern car has many electrical features. If one of these features doesn’t shut down properly and keeps running after the ignition is switched off, it will run down the battery’s power.
This drainage of the battery is called a parasitic drain. While we will be able to assist with testing the battery, we won’t be able to repair the electrical fault.
Defective Charging System
As we mentioned, when the car’s engine is running, the alternator will power electrical features in the car and even recharge the battery.
If your alternator is experiencing issues with producing electricity, the car will automatically use the power stored within the battery. If the alternator is not running at an optimum level, your battery won’t be adequately recharged.
Our technicians will be able to assist with testing if the alternator is the issue but won’t be able to replace it. They will recommend an auto electrician to assist with the repair or in the worst-case scenario, replace it.
Another defect that a faulty alternator can experience is defective diodes. These defective diodes will also drain the battery.
Extreme Weather
If your car is parked in a place that experiences extreme heat and cold, this can, over the long term, affect your car’s battery.
These temperatures will have to be rather extreme. Like -4C to 45C extreme.
Age
A lead-acid battery that is old will not be able to hold its charge for very long. When this battery is brought in, our technicians will be able to test it and see if the age of the battery is the reason behind the poor performance.
But what if the battery itself isn’t charging?
“My Car Battery is Not Charging”
If you have taken the battery out of the car and tried to charge it with a trickle/maintenance charger, you will already know whether or not your car’s battery is, or is not, charging. But most of the general public does not own a lead-acid battery charger.
Also, if done incorrectly, it can cause more damage than good, so if you’re ever in doubt, take your battery to a professional.
But what are the reasons for a battery not charging?
Bad Car Battery Connection
If the connection points to your car’s battery are loose, your battery won’t recharge. These connection points on older cars can also develop corrosion, affecting how well your battery charges over time.
By simply using a wire brush to remove the excess corrosion, your batteries should start to recharge properly.
Under the bonnet of a newer car, your battery connectors will be protected by a rubber covering. Simply pop this cap off and try to see if you can wiggle a connection loose. Whatever you do – do not – DO NOT – do this with both terminal points at the same time – otherwise, you’ll be given a jolt.
But if this isn’t the issue, there’s another check you can perform.
Blown Fuse
Your car owner’s manual will point you in the direction of where it is. Either in the manual or on the fusebox lid will be a diagram of what each fuse is linked to. The fuses you’re looking for are those responsible for the starter motor or the alternator.
You can simply remove the fuse and see if it has shorted or blown.
If the fuse has blown, all you’ll have to do is replace it to fix the recharging issue.
Damaged Drive Belts
We’ve already mentioned that checking your alternator is essential for your battery’s health. A significant issue that will affect your alternator is its drive belts. These are usually rubber composites.
But if these belts are worn and, over time, lose grip, they sometimes snap entirely. We are all well acquainted with loose drive belts, as they make that high pitch squeaking noise when cars start up.
If this is the issue, a trip to a car service centre will help, as they will simply replace this belt.
Faulty ECU
In modern cars, the electronic control unit (ECU) controls all the workings of the engine, namely the fuel injectors, the timing of spark plugs, as well as breaking systems, safety systems, and more.
This means that it can also manage the battery in your vehicle. If this ECU is faulty, it can cause issues with how your car recharges its battery. When an ECU is faulty, you will most likely need to visit your car manufacturer’s dealership.
Also, locating this issue will require a diagnostic machine that will plug into your car’s ECU. While we can test your car battery, we cannot test your ECU.
But then again, car maintenance is all about crossing off possibilities to isolate the real issue.
“My Car Battery Keeps on Dying / Is Flat / Is Dead”
While we’ve been through the majority of reasons why your car’s battery will die or become flat, it’s often simply the battery’s time.
Get Your Battery Checked by a Professional
For mechanically-minded people, going through this checklist of common battery faults is simple enough.
But for those who are uncertain, rather call your local Willard Battery Xpress Center to assist you to check out your battery.
