How can I tell if my car battery or alternator is bad? Get link Facebook X Pinterest Email Other Apps Please share your answer in the answers box below. Your help can support others with the same question. Get link Facebook X Pinterest Email Other Apps Comments Frances NoahJune 9, 2025 at 5:36 PMHere’s how you can tell if your car battery or alternator might be the problem:Signs of a Bad Battery:Car won’t start or is slow to start: The engine cranks slowly or not at all.Dim headlights: Lights seem weaker or flicker, especially when starting.Electrical issues: Power windows, radio, or dashboard lights act up.Corrosion: Visible corrosion or buildup on battery terminals.Battery age: Most batteries last 3-5 years; if yours is older, it might be time to replace.Battery test: You can have the battery tested at an auto parts store.Signs of a Bad Alternator:Car starts but then dies: The battery isn’t being recharged while driving.Warning light: Battery or alternator warning light on your dashboard.Dim or flickering lights: Headlights and interior lights flicker or dim while driving.Electrical failures: Radio, power windows, or other electrical accessories fail or act weird while running.Strange noises: Whining or growling noise from under the hood.How to check quickly:Start the car and turn on the headlights. If lights dim when you rev the engine, the alternator might be weak.If the car won’t start at all, it’s often the battery.ReplyDeleteRepliesReplyAdd commentLoad more... Post a Comment
Here’s how you can tell if your car battery or alternator might be the problem:
ReplyDeleteSigns of a Bad Battery:
Car won’t start or is slow to start: The engine cranks slowly or not at all.
Dim headlights: Lights seem weaker or flicker, especially when starting.
Electrical issues: Power windows, radio, or dashboard lights act up.
Corrosion: Visible corrosion or buildup on battery terminals.
Battery age: Most batteries last 3-5 years; if yours is older, it might be time to replace.
Battery test: You can have the battery tested at an auto parts store.
Signs of a Bad Alternator:
Car starts but then dies: The battery isn’t being recharged while driving.
Warning light: Battery or alternator warning light on your dashboard.
Dim or flickering lights: Headlights and interior lights flicker or dim while driving.
Electrical failures: Radio, power windows, or other electrical accessories fail or act weird while running.
Strange noises: Whining or growling noise from under the hood.
How to check quickly:
Start the car and turn on the headlights. If lights dim when you rev the engine, the alternator might be weak.
If the car won’t start at all, it’s often the battery.