​​How Do You Know If Your Battery Is Dying?​

One morning, you’re in a rush to get to work or take the kids to school. You get into your vehicle, insert the key – or push the ignition button – and…nothing. Your vehicle will not start, the lights won’t turn on, the infotainment screen is blank, and your instrument cluster is dark. What’s going on? 

The first culprit of any electrical system loss is the 12-volt battery inside your vehicle. It is where all the energy for your starter, alternator, screens, lights, and other electrical items comes from. When they do not work, the first thing you suspect is that the battery is not fully charging to its proper voltage. You might suspect your battery is dying.  

What could cause your battery to lose power? Air temperature affects battery life. In Southern Ohio, we experience a wide range from cold, snowy winters to hot, humid summers. Low temperatures can alter the chemical composition of the cells in a 12-volt battery.  

Perhaps the most concerning issue you will find when a battery is dying is when our engine is idling. A rough idle where it hitches and jolts after you turn the ignition means the battery isn’t providing the starter and alternator with the juice they need to get going.  

How do you know if your battery is indeed losing its energy? If your vehicle is running, there might be a voltmeter in your instrument cluster or on your infotainment vehicle status screen. There should also be a battery light in the instrument cluster.  

There are other indicators of a battery being out of charge. Your headlights could flicker and lose their beam. Your screen or audio system could go out. Your electric windows, driver-assistance sensors, and other electronics are showing some glitches. What should you look for? Ideally, the voltage should be no more than 16 volts and less than 12 volts. If there is any indication of an issue with the battery, get it checked out.  

You may have a voltage meter you can attach to your battery to confirm the voltage. If it is confirmed that your battery is losing energy, you should try to recharge it. If recharging your battery does not work, it is time to replace it.  

When you are trying to figure out what is wrong with your vehicle’s battery, always know that you have help nearby at Barry’s Chevrolet. Our Certified Service department is here to perform diagnostics on your battery and electrical system, as well as install a new battery for you. Our parts department is also here to help you get the correct factory-specified battery for your vehicle. If you need our assistance, go ahead and schedule an appointment with our service department, or order the battery you need for your vehicle soon.