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EnerSys® Experts Weigh in On the Tell-tale Signs of Needed Vehicle Battery Replacement

Determining when it’s time to replace your car battery can often be a daunting and confusing task. Knowing the key signs of when a battery is starting to fail or isn’t performing correctly are important to help keep you on the road versus out of commission.

Following are some tell-tale signs for car owners to keep an eye out for so they don’t end up stranded on the side of the road:

1.Difficulty Starting the Ignition/Turning Over the Engine

Have you ever gotten into your car and went to start it, only for it to make a noise and then not start? If so, it probably meant that you needed to recharge or even replace your car battery. During a battery’s life span, components of the battery start to become worn and less effective. However, it is important to know that if you notice a weak start, the battery could be starting to fail; furthermore, if you hear clicking, it’s probably already dead. Noticing the sound that occurs when trying to start the car can indicate the car battery’s health.

2.Dashboard Lights and Lighting Issues

Dim or flickering lights or dashboard indicators are a clear warning sign that something may be going astray with the car’s electrical system. Depending on the vehicle make and model, the check engine light may appear if the battery is starting to reach end of life. Even though most people get irritated when warning lights appear on the dashboard, it is important to get the car checked in a timely manner.

3.Electrical Malfunctions

In cars that have power windows or power door locks, the responsiveness of these functions could indicate that the car battery is dwindling. The performance of any device in the interior of the vehicle that is controlled electrically can be a sign of poor battery health. To recognize these signs, be aware of how many electrically powered mechanisms are regularly used in the vehicle. If you are frequently using more electrical components, the increased load may cause the battery to wear out more quickly.

4.Poor Performance

Have you noticed your car is being sluggish when trying to accelerate? This could be a result of a defective or dying battery. A degrading battery sometimes can be the cause of slow acceleration, which can lead to poor overall performance from your vehicle. When the battery is weakening, it may not have enough power to fire the spark plugs and activate the fuel injector. When the battery starts affecting those components of the vehicle, the battery is now starting to cause mechanical failures. Mechanical failures make it evident that the battery may be affecting the overall performance of the car.

As always, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for battery care and handling and direct any questions to your battery professional. If replacement is needed, a high-quality battery, like an ODYSSEY® battery from EnerSys® can help improve the car’s dependability.

ODYSSEY® batteries are manufactured with proprietary Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology, which allows the pure lead plates to be made thinner so more fit inside the battery case. This provides more surface area to deliver greater power in each group size and ample cranking, even at a low Depth of Discharge (DOD). They can perform in extreme temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) to as high as 140°F (60°C). They also offer greater cycle life for frequent deep discharges that can occur when powering on-board accessories. Unlike conventional flooded lead acid batteries, virtually maintenance-free, non-spillable Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) ODYSSEY® batteries are sealed and do not require watering.

To follow the latest ODYSSEY® battery news, visit our website at www.odysseybattery.com or connect with us on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook by using the hashtag #MYODYSSEY. 

ABOUT ENERSYS®

EnerSys, the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, manufactures and distributes energy systems solutions and motive power batteries, specialty batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor equipment enclosure solutions to customers worldwide. Energy Systems, which combine enclosures, power conversion, power distribution and energy storage, are used in the telecommunication, broadband and utility industries, uninterruptible power supplies and numerous applications. Motive power batteries and chargers are utilized in electric forklift trucks and other industrial electric powered vehicles requiring stored energy solutions. Specialty batteries are used in aerospace and defense applications, large over-the-road trucks, premium automotive, medical and security systems applications. EnerSys also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers in over 100 countries through its sales and manufacturing locations around the world. With the NorthStar acquisition, EnerSys has solidified its position as the market leader for premium Thin Plate Pure Lead batteries, which are sold across all three lines of business. More information regarding EnerSys can be found at www.enersys.com.

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Sustainability at EnerSys is about more than just the benefits and impacts of our products. Our commitment to sustainability encompasses many important environmental, social and governance issues. Sustainability is a fundamental part of how we manage our own operations. Minimizing our environmental footprint is a priority. Sustainability is our commitment to our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. Our products facilitate positive environmental, social and economic impacts around the world. To learn more visit: https://www.enersys.com/en/about-us/sustainability/.