Jump starting your car Who thinks about their car battery? No one, until it’s dead and, by then, you’ve got plenty of time to think about it because you aren’t going anywhere. If you drive a stick shift, you can usually get your car rolling a little bit and then pop the clutch. Voila! But, most people drive automatics and have to rely on a jump start to get them going again.

To help keep you from getting stranded, Hoist Towing & Recovery advises Prescott drivers to watch for these signs of a potentially dying battery. Hot summer temps drive up the heat under the hood and accelerate the onset of batteries failing. As a result, many motorists wind up stuck along the roadside in the summer.

Batteries have a relatively predictable life cycle of four years. However, if you notice any of the following conditions you may need to replace it now.

Slow Engine Turnover:

When you attempt to start the vehicle and cranking your car’s engine is sluggish and takes longer than it normally does to start. One of the easiest signs that your battery might be faulty or about to expire is if you are having trouble getting your car to start. Over time, the components inside wear out and become less effective. When this happens, it takes the battery longer to receive a charge from the alternator. You don’t want to wait for it to completely die before replacing it, as you could easily become stranded. If you are hearing a clicking sound when you try to turn the engine over, your probably already have a dead battery.

Battery Warning Light:

Keep an eye on your warning light. If the light on your dashboard is suddenly illuminated, do not ignore it. The battery light is telling you a simple truth: you have battery problems, and your car isn’t getting enough current from it to operate correctly. It could mean the alternator is no longer returning charge to it, or it could mean the battery has weakened and worn down.

You may also notice dim headlights. If your battery is failing, it will not be able to fully power your car’s electrical components to the extent that it normally can. If your headlights seem dim and weak, especially when starting the engine, it may mean your battery is about to expire.

Low Battery Fluid Level:

If your car battery casing is translucent you can visually inspect the fluid level. Check if the fluid level is lower than the lead plates, if it is then it’s time to replace the battery.

Strange Odor:

If you begin to notice a strange odor it could be a sign of a failing battery. A foul smell similar to rotten eggs often indicates that it is leaking. Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can leak out if it becomes damaged. If these destructive acids damage other parts of the car, it can be much more costly to repair than it would be to replace it This is not one of the more common indicators, but you should always bring your car in to your local auto maintenance garage if you notice a strange smell of any kind.

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Hoist Towing & Recovery wants to ensure drivers in the Northern Arizona and surrounding areas don’t find themselves stranded with a vehicle that won’t start. Summer temperatures can be very hot and Winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Getting stranded on a road where there is no place to go for shelter in these conditions can be very dangerous. Be sure to have plenty of water and its always a good idea to have a blanket if you are traveling in the winter. If you find yourself in a situation where your vehicle won’t turnover and you need a tow or jump start, Hoist Towing & Recovery is standing by to help. Call us today at 928-660-0606.