Regular battery testing gives you the confidence of knowing the battery is in good condition and can start your Kia whenever needed. As your Kia dealership, we’d like you to know some signs you need to visit us for a battery test.
The Battery is Old
The average battery lifespan is only three to five years. This relatively short life is due to how the battery stores electricity. Sulfuric acid reacts with the copper plates inside the battery to store power as chemical energy. As time passes, sulfuric acid breaks down naturally, reducing the battery’s ability to store electricity.
Eventually, a battery can’t store enough power to start the engine, and you’ll hear the sad click-click sound of a dead battery when you try to start your Kia. We recommend visiting us for a battery test when the battery is three years old and retesting it annually. If the battery is weak, we can replace it in minutes.
Starting Problems
Slow starting is usually a sign that the battery is weakening, but it can also occur if the battery is in good condition but not charging correctly. Starting the engine uses a large amount of the battery’s stored reserves. When the engine runs, a mini generator called the alternator begins recharging the battery.
A worn alternator might not produce enough power to fully charge the battery. In this case, a healthy battery will gradually weaken as it can’t replace the power it uses. Worn or damaged wiring can also prevent a battery from charging correctly. Our technicians will test your battery, and if it’s healthy, we’ll find and fix the recharging problem.
Dim Headlights
When the engine is switched off, the battery supplies power to all your vehicle’s systems. When the engine is running, the alternator takes over to power the various systems. You can test the battery’s power by switching on the headlights when your car is at rest. If the headlights seem dim, start the engine and switch the headlights on again. If the headlights are brighter, the battery is weak and needs to be tested.
Bad Smell
A foul, rotten egg smell from the engine can mean your battery is failing. This smell is produced by hydrogen sulfide, a toxic, corrosive gas that can form as the chemicals inside the battery break down and release hydrogen gas. The hydrogen mixes with sulfur in the engine compartment, forming hydrogen sulfide.
Hydrogen sulfide will start to corrode the battery terminals and other metal parts, causing the battery to weaken even further and fail. A corroded battery can’t be fixed, but we can replace it.
If you have a battery problem, contact us at Planet Kia Charlotte in Charlotte, NC.
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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.