Some things you can put off. A defective battery is not one of those. There is no convenient place to get stuck with a dead battery. Batteries wear out. Particularly here in Florida. The heat does a number on batteries and they just don’t last as long down here.

If you don’t want to get stuck somewhere, pay attention to your battery. Here are some signs your battery is going bad.

DIFFICULTY STARTING THE IGNITION/TURNING OVER THE ENGINE
One of the most clear-cut signs that your battery might be faulty or wearing out is if you are having trouble getting your car to start. Over time, the components inside a car battery wear out and become less effective. When this happens, it takes the battery longer and longer to receive a charge from the alternator. This means waiting a few more seconds for the engine to turn over. You don’t want to wait for your battery to completely die before replacing it, as you could easily become stranded with a non-starting engine. If you are noticing a slow start or weak start, it is likely your battery is dying. If you are hearing a clicking sound when you try to turn the engine over, your battery is probably already dead. Be sure to take your car to your local mechanic as soon as you notice difficulty starting your engine.

DASHBOARD LIGHTS & LIGHTING ISSUES
Keep an eye on your check engine light. If the warning lights on your dashboard are suddenly illuminated, do not ignore them. This often indicates that there is a problem with the battery or one of the vehicle’s computers. It could mean the alternator is no longer returning charge to it, or it could mean the battery has weakened and worn down. Either way, it is important to consult with a mechanic. Even if it is signaling a different issue, they can test the battery and make sure it is working at full capacity and output.

You may also notice dim headlights. If your battery is failing, it will not be able to fully power your car’s electrical components to the extent that it normally can. If your headlights seem unusually dim and weak, especially when starting the engine, it may mean your battery is on the way out. Interior lights may also appear more dim than usual or might start to flicker when the car is idling or starting. Any unusual performance from your car’s lights can be hazardous, so be sure to have your car checked out right away to maintain safe driving conditions.

ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS
If your power windows or door locks suddenly don’t seem as responsive as normal, your battery might be weakening. Issues with electric seats and your car’s stereo can also indicate battery issues. The battery powers all of the electrical components in your car – even your phone when your plug it in to charge. If the battery begins to weaken, it won’t be able to power these parts as well as it usually can. Test your electronic components and see if they are all having issues. Any strange occurrences involving electrical components of your car need checking out, so make sure to visit a local auto repair shop right away. You should also consider how many electricity-powered components you use regularly in relation to the last time your battery was replaced. The more electricity you use, the quicker your battery is going to drain.

STRANGE ODOR
If you begin to notice a strange new odor in your car, it could be a telltale sign of a failing battery. A foul smell similar to rotten eggs often indicates that the battery is leaking gas. Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can leak out if the battery becomes damaged. Referred to as outgassing, this sulfuric acid can be very dangerous and damage or corrode other parts of your car, so it must be replaced immediately. If these destructive acids damage other parts of the car, it can be much more costly to repair than it would be to replace the battery. This is not one of the more common indicators, but you should always bring your car in to your local auto maintenance garage if you notice a strange smell of any kind.

Lim’s Auto Body is a full service auto body and mechanical repair shop locally owned and operated in Largo, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.limsautobody.com or call (727) 422-3232.

You wouldn’t buy a house without having a home inspection. Your automobile is probably the second most expensive purchase you are going to make. Bring your car to Lim’s Auto Body and we will give you an honest assessment of what you are getting into. These are some of the reasons why you want to get your automobile inspected.

1) ALLOWS YOU TO KNOW WHAT THE VEHICLE’S ACTUAL WORTH IS:
A key reason that we recommend pre-purchase inspections is that they allow you to decide a fair vehicle price based on the basis of its actual condition. More often than not, dealers will quote prices that are higher than the car’s actual worth.

Our inspection lets you determine the vehicle’s current state. With a thorough assessment, you can learn if what you are paying for the car is really worth it, and if the car will even last you enough to make the investment worthwhile.

2) OPENS THE DOOR TO NEGOTIATIONS:
Learning the actual vehicle value can fetch you a better final deal, since you will now not be lured into overpaying.

If the vehicle inspection reveals multiple issues, you can use the inspection report to leverage a lower price. The amount that you will be paying for prospective repairs is also a crucial factor in determining a vehicle’s value. If the seller declines your best offer, you can simply walk away with the satisfaction that you avoided a potential rip off.

3) LOWERS MAINTENANCE EXPENSES:
Alongside repairs, you must also consider maintenance costs during the purchase of a used vehicle. Even if the vehicle is operating fine during the negotiation process, remember that worn-out oil filters, brake pads or tires will eventually require replacements.

Lim’s Auto Body is a full service auto body and mechanical repair shop locally owned and operated in Largo, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.limsautobody.com or call (727) 422-3232.