Our professional is equipped with the most technologically-advanced digital battery load testers which are designed to provide accurate battery health and condition data. Using a battery load tester is the only way to truly assess a battery’s condition without testing the electrolyte. Where a traditional multimeter could be used to read the voltage of a battery, it cannot simulate the load exerted on the battery by the starter. Our digital load testers also simulate vehicle starting conditions for a full diagnostic check and to determine if the battery has reached the end of its lifespan. This allows for a complete diagnosis in a matter of seconds so that you can make the best decision on what repairs may be necessary.

Signs of a Weak Car Battery

When a car’s battery is weak or failing, it may not always be obvious because it can still provide enough power to start a vehicle in optimal environmental conditions. However, the battery will only continue to get weaker over time and may eventually require a jump start. It’s also possible to experience a lack of power to accessories, though a battery that won’t start the engine may still have enough power to run the radio, lights, and other electrical system components. If the vehicle can be started with a jump start, but the battery doesn’t hold a charge once the vehicle is shut off, then you may need to have your battery or charging system tested.

Weak battery symptoms may also include:

• Slow cranking
• Limited or no power to accessories
• Dimming lights/electronics when trying to start
• Clicking sounds when the key is turned
• Bulging battery case or sulfur smells
• Corrosion on the battery or terminals

Why is My Car Battery Dead?

The lifespan of a battery is often determined by exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, and the damage done to a battery during the summer may not be evident until cold weather sets in. As a battery ages, the resistance to the extreme temperatures weakens its performance. Not all batteries are created equal, the best battery for your vehicle is the one that meets or exceeds the original equipment installed by the manufacturer.

In some cases, a ground drain may result in a dead battery more frequently, so it is best to have the battery tested to ensure it is capable of continuing to store enough power to start the vehicle. This is especially true of vehicles that sit for long periods of time, as batteries that are not recharged consistently can lose their ability to be fully charged again. Over time, batteries shed their internal paste on plates, which reduces the bonding space for the sulfate ions. When a battery is out of available space for sulfate ions, the battery is effectively “dead” and will not be able to deliver enough power to start a vehicle.