Ever experienced a situation where you got stranded in the middle of one of Dubai’s roads, unable to figure out why your car is acting out of the ordinary? Most probably, the car battery must be playing spoilsport. A car battery is something that can be referred to as an unsung hero-majorly contributing to your vehicle and yet never really appreciated. Here is how you can tell it is time for a car battery replacement.
1. Difficulty Starting Your Car
Probably the most recognizable way to know that your car battery will soon leave you in a dead car situation is if you have trouble starting up your vehicle. When you turn the key and hear a real slow, labored crank-or the thing doesn’t start at all-it is a pretty good sign that your battery could be failing. This could be a cue that it is time to consider a car battery replacement, as batteries wear out faster under the scorching heat in Dubai.
Example: One day, you plan a day out to the beach with your friends. You start up the car, and you find the engine almost doesn’t crank. This keeps happening each and every time you turn it on. That may mean it is time for a battery replacement. Take note of this rather than waiting for a most inopportune moment. Make an appointment with your car service provider and check your battery.
2. Dim or Flickering Headlights
Has it ever happened that your car’s headlight always flickers or dims down while you are on the drive? More than being a minor annoyance, this can be a cue your car battery is not in a position to supply enough power. And in Dubai, we have our schedule often packed so that we drive mostly at night, so bright and reliable headlights become an essential thing.
Example: Driving around Dubai Marina, but your car headlamps flicker at intervals, which could be because of a battery that is failing. Get your car battery inspected so that you don’t face night-time visibility problems.
3. Check Engine Light
That blinking check engine light on the dashboard, a signal from your car, is trying to tell you something. It is so general yet might be one of many other things, but if that light comes on at the same time other symptoms are going on, such as poor start-up or dimming headlights, then it might be with your car battery. You have to remember, in Dubai, you drive long distances, and thus, this light should be monitored closely.
Example: Driving down the crowded roads of Deira, all of a sudden, your check engine light comes on, coupled with hard starts or electrical issues, which in turn warrant a battery test. Ignoring it may give rise to more significant issues later.
4. Corrosion around Battery Terminals
Pop open your car’s hood. If you notice, around the terminal of a battery, some sort of white ashy material build-up-that is corrosion. This can block the battery from having the right connection and impact the performance of the battery. In Dubai’s hot climate, corrosion can develop quicker, so regular checks become quite necessary.
Example: You simply start a routine check and find that there is corrosion around the terminals; that is a surefire reason to act. Proper cleaning of terminals, followed by testing of the battery to get it replaced if necessary.
5. Old Battery
Most car batteries last for three to five years. If your battery is reaching, or has already surpassed, this age, this might be an excellent time to consider replacement. In Dubai, keeping a tab on the age of your battery is of utmost importance since very high temperatures might accelerate battery wear.
Example: If your car battery is more than three years old and you find any of the aforementioned signs, then do not wait for a complete failure. A proactive car service will save you from sudden problems.
