By identifying the signs below, you will detect battery issues early on, giving you ample time to get a new car battery from your Kia dealer before finding yourself stranded on the side of the road. Let’s explore eight signs that your Kia needs a new car battery, so you can head to your local dealer to get the problem fixed quickly.
1. Illuminated Dashboard Warning Lights
Your Kia has an advanced onboard computer that diligently monitors the performance of multiple systems, including your car battery. If there is a battery problem, the battery, check engine, and alternator lights will go on. These warning lights are early indications that your battery is losing strength and should be replaced.
2. Heavy Corrosion
Keep an eye out for an excessive blueish buildup on the battery terminals that could indicate your battery may give off acidic fumes or leak battery acid. It’s best to ask your Nissan technician to take a look and assess the issue.
3. Foul Odor
If you detect a strange smell coming from the front of your vehicle, it could indicate a battery leak. Leaks occur due to an accumulation of corrosion around the battery terminals, which could prevent your Kia from starting. If the corrosion is severe, have your Kia technician replace the battery.
4. Battery Case Damage
The case may bloat due to excessive heat buildup within the battery caused by overcharging or prolonged exposure to high temperatures. A bloated battery case is a safety risk and must be replaced promptly.
5. Electrical Problems
A weak battery causes electrical issues. If your radio is cutting out, headlights are dimming, or the windshield wipers or power windows are moving slower, it’s likely due to a weak battery.
6. Hard Starts
If your car starts one day but struggles the next, it could be a battery issue. A weakening battery needs more time to create a charge, causing your engine to take longer to turn over. If your Kia struggles to start, it’s time to invest in a new battery.
7. Jump Starts
A clear sign that your battery is approaching the end of its life is the frequent need to jump-start your vehicle to get it going. While jump-starting your vehicle may offer a temporary solution, promptly replacing the battery is vital to prevent more breakdowns and damage to the electrical system.
8. Battery Age
Car batteries generally last between three and five years. If your battery is over three years old, it’s a good idea to have it regularly checked by a technician to ensure trouble-free driving. Don’t wait until you have to rely on a stranger for a jump start or get stuck with a dead battery. When you notice any signs of a bad battery, stop at Auffenberg Kia in Shiloh, IL, for a range of quality batteries and professional installation services.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.