Recognizing When Your Ford Needs a New Battery

Your Ford’s battery provides power to start the engine and power electrical systems. But like all components, batteries have a limited lifespan. Look out for these telltale signs that it’s time to get a new car battery from your Ford dealer.

Recognizing When It’s Time to Get a New Car Battery at Your Ford Dealer

Difficulty Starting the Car

If your engine is struggling to turn over and cranks slowly, your battery may be on its last legs. A healthy battery should provide a quick and strong surge of power to start your engine. Slow engine response indicates your battery is losing its charge-holding capacity. Replace the battery before you’re stranded in a parking lot with a car that won’t start.

Electrical Malfunctions

Your battery powers various electrical components like the infotainment system, power windows, interior lights, and headlights. When the battery starts to fail, you might notice various electrical issues. These include slow power windows, radio malfunctions, and dim headlights, especially when the engine is idling. These symptoms usually worsen over time, so get your battery checked as soon as they appear.

Bulging Battery Case

Pop your Ford’s hood and inspect the battery regularly for signs of deterioration. If you notice that the battery case looks swollen or bloated, it’s a serious sign that your battery needs immediate replacement. The swelling occurs due to excess heat or deterioration from old age. It is a sign that there is internal damage, and the only remedy is to replace the battery.

While you’re checking the battery case, also look for corrosion around the terminals. Corrosion occurs in the form of a white powdery substance that can interfere with the battery’s connection. It can cause starting problems and electrical issues, even if the battery itself is still in good condition.

Poor Performance in Cold Weather

As the cold season kicks in, your Ford’s battery may face performance challenges. Low temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside the battery, reducing its ability to produce and hold enough charge. If your battery is already weak, you will notice more pronounced start-up issues during the winter.

Your engine may crank slowly or require multiple attempts to start. You may even be forced to jump-start the vehicle. If you’re experiencing these cold-weather woes, it’s time to have your battery checked and replaced.

Your Battery Is Old

Even if you haven’t noticed any obvious signs of failure, it’s important to keep track of your battery’s age. Most car batteries last three to five years, depending on driving habits and environmental conditions. If your battery is approaching or has exceeded this age range, buy a new one to prevent unexpected failure.

Watch out for these signs of battery failure to avoid the inconvenience of a dead battery. Stop by Ewald’s Hartford Ford in Hartford, WI to buy a new battery for your Ford.

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