3 Signs Your Volkswagen Needs a New Car Battery

3 Signs Your Volkswagen Needs a New Car Battery

A typical car battery can last three to five years, with some lasting 10 years under ideal conditions. The battery’s longevity often depends on care and maintenance, but other factors can affect it. If your car battery is over three years old, keep an out for the three signs of replacement to reduce the potential danger and damage to your engine and vehicle.

1. Slow Start or Minimal Power

Most people know a car can start slower in the colder months, especially when temperatures drop below 20 degrees. However, if your Jetta starts slowly in the summer, especially if the issue begins suddenly, it can signal a draining or bad battery. You should bring your vehicle to your local Volkswagen dealership for a battery test and service.

A slow start is not the only warning of poor battery performance or the need for a replacement. Reduced power in other systems in your car can also sometimes mark a draining battery. Sometimes, for example, a car starts fine, but your headlights are dim or your radio doesn’t work.

2. Odd Smells

Old, damaged, or worn batteries can also have an odd odor. A new battery shouldn’t have a smell, even when connected to the engine. Over time, the battery’s casing might wear down and crack, allowing gases to vent. The smell is unpleasant, often of rotten eggs. Unfortunately, the odor could mean sulfuric acid leaked from the battery, potentially harming other engine components.

3. Swollen Unit

The last clue that an old battery needs replacement is visual. A swollen unit or battery case is an undeniable sign of a damaged battery. The swelling is indicative of chemical reactions that occur during the aging process. You cannot repair a swollen battery. The only option is to replace it.

Your Volkswagen Dealer Can Help 

Our dealer group is more than capable of handling your battery replacement needs. When you schedule a service with us, our talented and qualified team of technicians will assess your Jetta and its battery and offer quick repairs to get you back on the road. A bad car battery interrupts your schedule by limiting power, producing odd smells, or inhibiting your ability to get where you need to go. Contact Auffenberg Dealer Group at 1130 Auffenberg Avenue, Shiloh, IL, to schedule a battery test or order a replacement for your make and model.

Tags: Battery, Car Won't Start, Maintenance, performance, power, Repair, Technology
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