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.
Connect with us
