
Your car’s battery is something that is never really thought about until the day it stops working. Inevitably, the battery will fail at the worst possible time. Life can be stressful, but with proper care, a dead battery is one stress that can be avoided. As your Chrysler dealer, we would like you to know the signs that you may need a new car battery.
Corroded Terminals
If you pop the hood and see a gray or white ash around the battery terminals, this is a sign of leaking acid fumes. These fumes are released when an electrical current causes a chemical reaction between the lead plates and sulfuric acid inside the battery. This acid mixes with moisture in the air and forms a salt that corrodes the battery terminals. Your battery will, unfortunately, need to be replaced.
Awful Smell
A damaged battery can start to leak gas into the engine compartment. The easy tell-tail sign of this is the awful smell the gas gives off. If you are driving and you smell the odor of rotten eggs, come and see one of our service technicians. We can quickly replace your battery, and the awful smell will disappear.
Dead Battery
A car’s battery usually lasts for 3 to 5 years, depending on climate and driving style. If your battery is new and it dies, this can be a sign that you have an alternator problem. An older battery, however, may just have worn out. We recommend having a battery check-up at least every three years to ensure that your battery is always in perfect working order.
Battery Light Goes On
If this light appears on your dash, and then stays on it is a warning that your electrical system is not working correctly. A loose connection, a weakening alternator, or a dying battery are all possible causes. The good news is that this is an early warning that a problem exists. The sooner our mechanics can examine your car, the easier and cheaper it is to fix.
Damage to the Battery
Your battery is protected by a strong casing to prevent damage to its internal components. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can cause the casing to warp. This damage may not be noticeable at first, but it can result in a crack in the casing which will grow larger over time. We recommend periodically checking your battery casing for any sign of damage. A cracked or misshapen battery should be replaced ASAP.
A battery replacement is easy, and we have the best diagnostic equipment available and expert technicians to make it even easier. If you have one or more of the above issues, call us right away at Bill Snethkamp CDJR. Our family-owned dealership has proudly served the residents of Detroit, MI since 1926, and we are happy to assist you with all of your automotive requirements.


