Jan 12, 2024

While you’re driving, your car’s alternator uses the engine’s power to generate electricity, which supplies the battery, which in turn keeps the engine’s spark plugs firing along with powering the vehicle’s many other electronic components. If your battery starts to malfunction or degrade, this entire marvelous cycle is interrupted. So to keep your car fully functional, watch out for the following indications that you need to visit your nearest Nissan dealer for a new car battery.

5 Signs Your Nissan Needs a New Car Battery

Your Headlights Are Fading or Flickering

When a battery starts to fail, your headlights will eventually begin to fail, too. Without a strong supply of electrical voltage, the light ahead of your car will begin to weaken, especially when the engine’s turned off and the alternator can’t help to keep them powered. A failing battery might also cause the headlights to flicker, becoming alternately brighter and weaker, as the electrical supply becomes unstable. 

Your Electronics Accessories Are Faltering 

All the other electronics in your vehicle also depend on the battery for power. This includes the air conditioner, power windows and sunroof, heated seats, dashboard dials, infotainment screens, phone charger, and many more. 

If just one of these accessories malfunctions, the problem might lie with that component alone. But if several of them fail at the same time, the blame probably lies with the overall electrical supply. 

Your Engine Won’t Start Promptly on Cold Mornings

Perhaps the most important electrical components of a car are the starter, ignition coils, and spark plugs. If an aging battery can’t deliver a strong voltage to these parts, the engine will struggle to start. This problem is likely to be worse early on winter mornings when the engine’s at its coldest. 

Your Battery Looks Misshapen, Cracked, or Corroded 

When you visually check your battery, you’ll be able to see whether or not it’s still in good shape. Any battery that’s warped out of shape or has seriously corroded terminals will probably have to go. And if the battery’s cracked and leaking battery acid, don’t hesitate to have it replaced. You’re likely to smell the sulfur stench of a leaking battery from within the car’s cabin. 

Your Nissan Dealer Recommends Replacing Your Battery 

It’s not always easy to notice an aging or degrading car battery. However, during routine maintenance visits at your local dealership, the technicians will check your battery and electronics with an expert eye and are far more likely to notice early warning signs of a bad battery. This way, you can replace your battery early and avoid potential mishaps on the road. 

Have your battery inspected and replaced today at Granite Nissan in Rapid City, SD. We offer an excellent range of new and used vehicles, a cutting-edge customer service lounge, and outstanding deals and service to every customer who steps foot through our doors.