Signs that point to the battery
A battery problem shows up at startup: slow cranking, a click, or nothing at all, especially on a cold morning. Once the car is running, everything works normally.
- Slow cranking that gets worse each morning
- The car starts fine after a jump and keeps running
- Corrosion on the terminals or a swollen case
- A battery more than three to five years old
Signs that point to the alternator
An alternator problem shows up while you drive: a battery light, dimming lights, and electrical trouble that gets worse the longer you go. A new battery will not fix it and will be drained too.
- Battery warning light while driving
- Headlights dim at idle and brighten with revs
- The car dies again soon after a jump
- A whining noise from the front of the engine
Why testing beats guessing
Weak batteries and failing alternators wear each other out, so sometimes both need attention. YBE tests the battery and the charging output before replacing anything, at the shop or where your car sits.
Need This Fixed?
YBE handles this at the Capitol Heights shop, seven days a week. Read about Battery, Alternator and Starter Repair, or call and describe what your car is doing.
Further Reading
Background on the parts and systems described above.