4 Signs Your Kia’s Battery Needs Replacement

As a general rule of thumb, your Kia’s battery will last three to five years, but several factors can influence its lifespan. Extreme cold and certain driving patterns, like frequent short trips or extended idling, can drain your battery. How can you tell when to schedule a battery replacement at your local Kia dealership? There are several signs to watch for.

4 Signs It’s Time To Schedule a Battery Replacement at Your Kia Dealership

1. Dim or Flickering Headlights

The headlights are one of many vehicular components powered by your Kia’s battery. If one or both headlights are flickering or don’t seem to illuminate the road as brightly as they once did, that could be a sign that your battery is starting to weaken. Your Kia’s sound system, power door locks, dash lights, and cabin lights are also powered by the battery, so a decline in the performance of any one of these features could signal battery trouble.

2. Slow Start

The battery also plays an essential role in starting your vehicle. If your Kia’s engine is slow to start, or if it takes a couple of attempts to get your vehicle going in the morning, your battery may be losing its power. If your Kia won’t start at all, and you hear a clicking noise when turning the key in the ignition, that’s another sign that the battery is the problem.

3. Battery Case Shows Signs of Wear

There are several physical signs of battery damage or wear that indicate it’s time for a replacement. If your battery case appears misshapen or bloated, that could indicate that the battery is overheating or overcharging. A battery that is damaged or not functioning as it should be replaced immediately.

A battery emitting a rotten, sulfuric smell should also be replaced immediately because it may be leaking gas. Extensive corrosion on the metal components of the battery, which takes the form of a white or blue-green powder, is yet another sign that your battery may be aging and ready for replacement.

4. Illuminated Warning Light

Identifying a failing battery doesn’t require detective work or deep automotive knowledge. Sometimes it’s just a matter of paying attention to the warning lights on the dash that light up to signal a problem. If your battery or check engine light comes on, it’s time to call and schedule a time for our service department to check things out.

It’s always best to replace your battery as soon as you notice signs that it’s deteriorating. That way, there’s no risk of being stranded by a dead battery. When you’re ready to schedule your Kia’s next service appointment, give us a call at Ewald Kia Of Oconomowoc in Oconomowoc, WI.

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