Blog / Auffenberg Nissan Service

8 Signs Your Nissan Needs a New Car Battery

Technician jumping a car battery with jumper cables.

Owning a dependable Nissan means paying attention to routine maintenance, and that includes monitoring your car's battery. Over time, batteries degrade and lose their ability to hold a charge. By knowing the key signs of a failing battery, you can catch issues early and ensure smooth operation. Let's look at some red flags that mean it's time for a new car battery from your local Nissan dealer.

1. Signs You Need a New Battery: Crank Time Increases

Over time, batteries deliver power less efficiently. One symptom of a bad battery is that your Nissan takes longer to turn over when starting. Weak batteries struggle to provide adequate voltage for quick ignition.

2. Dim Interior Lights

Your Nissan's dashboard and dome lights seem duller than they used to be. A weak battery can't deliver the full voltage to power accessories like lights, especially with other electrical loads running. 

3. Corroded Terminals

Over several years, battery terminals can show signs of corrosion, which prevents a clean power connection. Green or white buildup indicates it may be time for cleaning or replacement to ensure a strong start.

4. Battery is Over 3 Years Old

Most automotive batteries last between 3-5 years before needing replacement. Make sure to check the date code. Even if there are no symptoms, older date codes lose the ability to hold power. It's best to replace an older battery before true failure occurs.

5. Uneven Engine Operation

A weak battery may cause unstable engine performance, especially at idle speeds or when loads are applied. The engine may shudder or feel rough at times.

6. Professional Diagnosis Advises Replacement

For a full evaluation of your Nissan's battery and charging system, visit your local Nissan dealer. Their technicians have the equipment to perform accurate battery load tests to determine if it's still within proper performance specs. Trust their recommendation on replacement timing.

7. Sulfur Smell

As batteries fail, they may vent gas which carries a noticeable sulfur smell. While not dangerous, this odor indicates it's time for a new battery before it causes other issues.

8. Dead Battery After a Short Trip

Modern cars use electricity even when the engine is off, draining the battery over time if not used much. If your Nissan won't start after sitting for only a couple of days, it indicates the battery is not holding a charge well enough for short-term use. Keeping up regular preventative maintenance like battery testing and timely replacements is key to maximizing your Nissan's lifespan and usability.

Visit us today at Auffenberg Nissan in Shiloh, IL, for affordable battery testing and replacement options. Our factory-trained technicians use the latest computerized equipment to evaluate battery health quickly. Rely on our expertise to keep your vehicle safely on the road.

Posted in:

Related Posts

A picture of an automotive transmission, partially disassembled, held by a service technician's hands.

Recognizing When It's Time for Transmission Service for Your Nissan

Is your Nissan in need of transmission service? You may be able to tell by the way the vehicle is handling, or by spotting evidence of a transmission fluid leak. If you think there's a problem with your transmission, it's important to get it checked out right away. The transmission moves power from the engine to your wheels, making it an essential component. The service department at your local Nissan dealer is the best place to go for service. Learn how to recognize when it’s time for transmission service for your vehicle. more 1. Your Vehicle Is Leaking Transmission Fluid If you spot puddles of transmission fluid beneath your parked vehicle, that's a sure sign that your transmission needs attention. Your vehicle has several types of fluid, including power steering fluid and motor oil, but transmission fluid is usually pink or red and has a sweet smell. Placing a clean piece of cardboard beneath your parked vehicle is a great way of getting a good look at the fluid your vehicle is leaking. You shouldn't drive with an active transmission fluid leak, so you'll want to get your vehicle in for service as soon as possible. 2. You Smell Burning The smell of burning plastic, smoke, or melting wires is another indicator of transmission trouble. This odor can indicate that your transmission is overheating or the transmission fluid is old and starting to burn. Our service department can change out the fluid to get your transmission back to optimal performance. 3. Your Gears Are Slipping The transmission serves as your vehicle's gearbox, so if your gears are slipping out of place while you're driving, that could be a sign of transmission trouble. You can tell your transmission has slipped if you notice the engine revving during a gear switch. This can lead to a sensation similar to what you would feel if you were sliding over ice with no traction. Gear slipping is also characterized by delayed acceleration, strange noises, and a rough response from the vehicle when you attempt to shift gears. It's dangerous to drive a vehicle that won't stay in gear, so you'll want to schedule a service appointment immediately. 4. Your Vehicle Grinds or Shakes If your vehicle grinds or shakes as the gears shift, particularly if you have an automatic transmission, it's an almost certain sign that you have transmission trouble. A vehicle that struggles to change gears is also likely experiencing transmission difficulties. Whether you need a transmission repair or simply need to have your fluids topped off, we can help. Don't put off maintenance for this crucial component. When you're ready to book your next service appointment, give us a call at Auffenberg Nissan in Shiloh, IL.

A family shaking hands with a member of the sales team while finalizing the purchase of a new car.

4 Services Offered by Your Nissan Dealer

When you're looking to buy a new vehicle, you'll be delighted at what your local Nissan dealer in Shiloh, IL offers. From a huge inventory of new and certified used trucks, SUVs, and cars, to trade-in deals, finance, and expert Nissan service offers with skilled technicians, you'll find everything you need to get you on the road! Let’s explore four services offered by your local Nissan dealer that go together to make your car buying and ownership experience smoother, more fun, and simpler from start to finish. more 1. Vehicle Sales Whether you're interested in a new Nissan SUV or sporty crossover, you'll find an impressive inventory of new and used certified Nissan vehicles, along with other cars, trucks, and SUVs from brands that include Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Mini, Ram, Toyota, and Lexus. We have hundreds of vehicles ready for pick-up or delivery, including certified vehicles for total peace of mind. Check out the new cars in the Nissan showroom and arrange a test drive, to see what your favorite feels like behind the wheel. The sales team will be on hand to answer any questions to help you make a confident choice. 2. Financing For competitive deals on your vehicle finance, pop into our finance department to get the right deal for your needs. Finance experts work with a panel of trusted lenders to find excellent finance deals with competitive rates, fast approvals, extended warranties, value-added services that protect your new vehicle investment, and other benefits. In fact, most dealerships allow you to get started from the comfort of your own living room. Often, you can simply fill out an online credit application and you can get pre-approved beforehand, saving you even more time. Worried about bad credit or missed payments on your credit history? Don't worry, as the dealership’s finance team will still be able to find you the right deal with repayments you can afford. 3. Nissan Service Most dealerships have service and parts departments which are operated by highly-trained and skilled technicians who use the latest technologies and analysis tools to assess, diagnose, repair, and upgrade your vehicles. From regular scheduled servicing and preventative maintenance to tire replacements and accessory upgrades, their team is there for you any time you need help. In general, your dealership can offer convenient appointments, warranties on our work, and highly competitive prices, so you know you're always in safe hands! Often, they offer regular specials, designed to keep every Nissan SUV, truck, hatchback, or sedan working perfectly, for less. 4. Car Wash and Detailing If you’re looking to keep your Nissan looking its best all the time, talk to your local dealership about a car wash and detailing service, designed to keep your car looking like the day you drove it off the lot, all at a great price. With appointments available seven days a week, it couldn't be easier to bring the shine back to your vehicle again! Ready to experience a full range of services from a better local dealership today? Contact our friendly team at Auffenberg Nissan in Shiloh, IL, or come down to see us, for a warm welcome and superb experience! Don’t forget to ask about our Auffenberg Express Car Wash service!

An image of a disassembled transmission

Recognizing When It's Time for Transmission Service for Your Nissan

Is your Nissan in need of transmission service? You may be able to tell by the way the vehicle is handling, or by spotting evidence of a transmission fluid leak. If you think there's a problem with your transmission, it's important to get it checked out right away. The transmission moves power from the engine to your wheels, making it an essential component. Learn how to recognize when it’s time for transmission service at your Nissan dealership. more 1. Your Vehicle Is Leaking Transmission Fluid If you spot puddles of transmission fluid beneath your parked vehicle, that's a sure sign that your transmission needs attention. Your vehicle has several types of fluid, including power steering fluid and motor oil, but transmission fluid is usually pink or red and has a sweet smell. Placing a clean piece of cardboard beneath your parked vehicle is a great way of getting a good look at the fluid your vehicle is leaking. You shouldn't drive with an active transmission fluid leak, so you'll want to get your vehicle in for service as soon as possible. 2. You Smell Burning The smell of burning plastic, smoke, or melting wires is another indicator of transmission trouble. This odor can indicate that your transmission is overheating or the transmission fluid is old and starting to burn. Our service department can change out the fluid to get your transmission back to optimal performance. 3. Your Gears Are Slipping The transmission serves as your vehicle's gearbox, so if your gears are slipping out of place while you're driving, that could be a sign of transmission trouble. You can tell your transmission has slipped if you notice the engine revving during a gear switch. This can lead to a sensation similar to what you would feel if you were sliding over ice with no traction. Gear slipping is also characterized by delayed acceleration, strange noises, and a rough response from the vehicle when you attempt to shift gears. It's dangerous to drive a vehicle that won't stay in gear, so you'll want to schedule a service appointment immediately. 4. Your Vehicle Grinds or Shakes If your vehicle grinds or shakes as the gears shift, particularly if you have an automatic transmission, it's an almost certain sign that you have transmission trouble. A vehicle that struggles to change gears is also likely experiencing transmission difficulties. Whether you need a transmission repair or simply need to have your fluids topped off, we can help. Don't put off maintenance for this crucial component. When you're ready to book your next service appointment, give us a call at Auffenberg Nissan in Shiloh, IL.