Your car’s battery is the heartbeat of your vehicle’s electrical system. When it starts to fail, your vehicle’s performance can drop dramatically—often at the worst possible time. At FTS Auto Repair, your trusted one-stop auto repair shop in San Diego, we want to help you catch battery issues early to avoid breakdowns and costly repairs. We’ll explore the symptoms of a bad battery, how it affects starting your car, and what warning signs to look out for.
1. Your Engine Cranks Slowly or Doesn’t Start at All
One of the earliest and most common signs of a failing battery is slow engine cranking. You might notice that the engine takes longer to turn over when you try to start the car. In severe cases, you may just hear a clicking sound or nothing at all.
This usually happens because the battery doesn’t have enough charge to send the necessary power to the starter motor. Frequent starting issues are a red flag that it’s time to get your battery tested at a professional auto repair shop.
2. Dashboard Lights Flicker or Go Dim
When your battery is on the verge of failure, it won’t be able to supply consistent voltage to your car’s electronics. You may see your dashboard lights flicker or dim, especially when starting the car. Other electrical systems such as power windows, interior lights, or infotainment screens may also behave erratically.
These electrical inconsistencies are a major warning sign, especially if they’re happening across multiple systems in your vehicle. San Diego drivers rely on their vehicles daily, so it’s important not to ignore these signs.
3. Your Battery Warning Light Comes On
Modern vehicles are equipped with onboard diagnostic systems that monitor your battery’s voltage. If your car’s battery warning light appears on the dashboard, it’s alerting you to a problem with the battery or charging system.
This doesn’t always mean your battery is dead—it could also be a failing alternator or corrosion on your battery terminals. But no matter the cause, it’s best to bring your car in to a reliable mechanic in San Diego like FTS Auto Repair for a full diagnostic check.
4. You Smell a Rotten Egg Odor Under the Hood
A bad battery can leak sulfuric acid, which gives off a strong, rotten egg smell. This can also lead to corrosion around the terminals, which reduces the battery’s ability to transmit power to your vehicle. If you notice this odor, avoid touching the battery and schedule a visit to your local repair shop immediately.
Ignoring leaks not only affects your vehicle’s performance but can also cause damage to the engine bay over time.
5. Your Battery Case Looks Swollen or Cracked
Physical inspection of your battery can reveal telltale signs of failure. In San Diego’s hot climate, excessive heat can cause a battery case to bulge or swell, which shortens the battery’s lifespan significantly.
Cracked or swollen batteries are not only a sign that replacement is needed—they can also be dangerous. Always let an experienced mechanic handle battery replacement to ensure safe disposal and proper installation.
6. Your Car Has Trouble Starting After Sitting Overnight
A battery that loses charge quickly after sitting for several hours or overnight is likely on its way out. If your vehicle consistently struggles to start in the morning but runs fine during the day, you may have a parasitic drain or your battery is no longer holding a charge effectively.
This is especially common in older batteries (3+ years), and it’s a major reason why preventative maintenance and regular testing matter.
7. You’re Jump-Starting Your Car Often
Needing a jump-start every now and then isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. But if you’re relying on jumper cables or portable starters multiple times a week, your battery is likely failing—or your alternator may not be doing its job.
At FTS Auto Repair, we offer full charging system diagnostics, so we can tell if the problem is your battery, alternator, or starter motor.
8. Your Headlights Are Dim or Flicker While Driving
Your headlights rely on the battery and alternator to stay powered. Dim or flickering headlights—especially when you’re idling—can indicate your battery isn’t supplying enough consistent power. This can be dangerous when driving at night or in foggy San Diego coastal conditions.
If your headlights aren’t as bright as they used to be, come in for a battery load test.
How We Can Help
At FTS Auto Repair in San Diego, we’ve been keeping drivers on the road for over 30 years. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don’t wait until your car won’t start. Our expert mechanics will perform a full battery and charging system inspection to pinpoint the issue and recommend the right fix—whether it’s a new battery, alternator repair, or cleaning corrosion from your terminals.
As one of the highest-rated auto shops on Google, BBB, and Yelp, we offer scheduled and preventative maintenance to help you avoid costly surprises. From engines to tires and everything in between, FTS Auto Repair is your one-stop shop for car care.
Call today or book an appointment online and get back on the road with confidence.