​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The battery is essential to provide the power that starts your Ford's engine. As time passes, a battery will weaken or become damaged and need replacement. As your Ford dealer, we want you to know a few signs you need to visit us for a new car battery.
3 Signs You Need a New Car Battery From Your Ford Dealer
Slow Cranking
A slow crank is one of the most common signs of a weakening battery. When you hit the start button, the battery sends a large electrical charge to the starter, which cranks the engine, and your Ford's cylinders will begin firing within seconds. If this doesn't happen, and you hear the laboring sound of an engine struggling to crank, your battery could be failing.
A battery could fall due to age, recharging issues, or loose wiring. An older battery loses most of its storage capacity, which makes starting difficult, while a weak alternator might not supply enough power to recharge an otherwise healthy battery. Loose cables or wires can restrict the flow of power into and out of the battery and restrict the power supply to the starter. We'll examine your engine, identify the problem, and repair it.
Overcharging
As we've seen, a battery uses a large portion of its stored electricity reserve to start the engine. Once the engine is running, the alternator begins to spin and generate electricity for your car's systems. It also recharges the battery, charging at full power for ten minutes then switching to a reduced 10% charging until the battery is replenished.
The reduced charging level protects the alternator and the battery from damage. The switchover to reduce charging occurs when the battery signals it received the initial charge. A damaged alternator might ignore this signal and continue to charge at full power. Overcharging will cause the battery's electrolyte solution to boil. Our technicians will test your alternator and install a new one if necessary.
Swollen Battery
A battery contains sulfuric acid, copper plates, an electrolyte solution, and other chemicals. The battery contents are contained within a thick plastic casing that protects them from damage. Almost all battery casings are rectangular with straight, flat sides. If you examine your battery and notice bulges or distortions in the casing, your battery is failing.
The swelling is caused by a build-up of hydrogen gas caused by the natural breakdown of sulfuric acid or an expansion of the electrolyte solution due to sustained low temperatures. This increases pressure inside the casing and forces the battery walls outward. A swollen battery can't be repaired, but we will replace your battery to fix this issue.
Battery problems develop over time, and there are usually multiple warning signs that something is wrong. Visit us today at Bill Jackson Ford in Troy, AL.