3 Signs Your GMC Vehicle Needs a New Car Battery

Battery health isn’t something that many drivers think about until it fails. The battery slowly wears out and will eventually fail. Other car problems like a worn alternator or loose connections can also damage your battery. As your GMC dealer in Mansfield, OH, we’d like you to know a few signs that you need to visit us for a new car battery.

3 Signs You Need a New Car Battery From Your GMC Dealer

Foul Smell Under the Hood

Hydrogen sulfide is a toxic chemical that is produced by either combustion or a failing battery. This chemical has a foul, distinctive smell that’s been likened to rotten eggs. As the chemicals inside your battery store and supply electricity, they gradually break down. Sulfuric acid, the most important battery chemical, releases hydrogen gas as it slowly decays.

Hydrogen molecules will escape the battery casing and are drawn to sulfur molecules present in your engine. These two chemicals will combine to form hydrogen sulfide. Some fumes from this gas will float out from under the hood into your cabin. Hydrogen sulfide will also produce corrosion on your battery and further weaken it. We can remove the foul smell by replacing your battery with a new one.

Loose Connections

Small vibrations are generated inside the engine as you drive. These vibrations become more pronounced if you’re driving over rough terrain. As time passes, these small vibrations can loosen cables and other connections in your engine. Your battery is connected to the rest of the electrical system by a negative and positive connector.

The battery connectors are securely tightened, as electricity can’t flow through a gap. In time, the movement of the cables can produce a minute gap between the battery connectors and the cables. If this happens, your battery won’t supply electricity and will also not be able to recharge. Your battery warning will illuminate to warn of the problem. We’ll examine your cables and secure them correctly if they are loose.

Swollen Battery Case

A car battery stores electricity in the form of chemical energy. To do this, it requires chemicals, copper plates, an electrolyte solution, and other components. All these components are protected by a thick plastic casing. The electrolyte solution inside an older battery is more susceptible to extreme hot or cold conditions.

Extreme external temperatures increase pressure inside the battery basing. The electrolyte solution can’t escape the battery, but internal pressure will ​create bulges and other distortions in the casing. The disruption ​caused to the chemicals inside the battery will ​also ​decrease battery life. We can’t repair a swollen battery, but we can replace it.

If you’re experiencing a battery problem, call our service department today at Mansfield GMC.

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