Maintenance Tips: Car Battery Troubleshooting

Nov 23, 2021

Car owners should consider their batteries to be the main life force in their vehicles, allowing the car to operate in any conditions. Often we take these powerhouses for granted, expecting them to fire up at the first turn of the ignition, however no car battery lasts forever.


With an average lifespan of around four years, a car battery will die no matter how well you drive. However, there are more warning signs that indicate battery problems than simply a car that won't start one morning.




How to troubleshoot your car battery?


Your car may not start for a number of reasons. The following list outlines the most common circumstances and tells you what action you can take to try to remedy each situation:



a) The car is silent when you turn the key in the ignition


Check the battery terminal cable connections. If they look very corroded, force the point of a screwdriver with an insulated or wooden handle between the connector and the terminal post and twist it to lodge it firmly. Then try to start the engine. If it starts, you need to clean or replace your cables.


b) The car makes a clicking noise but won’t start


This sound usually means a dead battery. If not, check the wiring to and from the starter for a loose connection. The car cranks over but won’t start. Check the fuel supply to your engine. If that’s okay, check whether the electrical spark is getting to your spark plugs.



c) The engine starts but dies


If your car has a carburetor, check your carburetor adjustment and your choke to see whether the choke is first closing and then opening. If you have fuel injection, you’ll need professional help.



d) The car won’t start on rainy days


Check inside the distributor cap for dampness. If you find moisture, get some mechanic’s solvent from your friendly service station — they use it to clean car parts — or buy an aerosol can of it at an auto supply store. To evaporate any dampness inside the distributor cap, turn the cap upside down and pour or spray some solvent into it. Swish it around and pour it out. Then dry the cap as best you can with a clean, lint-free rag and replace the cap. Use only clean solvent; even a tiny speck of dirt can foul the points. Gasoline won’t do because a spark can ignite gasoline fumes and cause an explosion or a fire.



e) The car won’t start on cold mornings


For vehicles with carburetors, check the choke. Is it closed? Does it open? If you have fuel injection, you’ll need to have a professional diagnose the cold-start problems.



f) The engine knocks or pings


Check your timing; also check the octane rating of the fuel you’re using. The owner’s manual can tell you whether your vehicle needs regular unleaded or premium gasoline. Check the cooling system. Do a compression check on the engine cylinders. EX Power also sells engine oil that are suitable for your car which is "Chempioil" brand. 




How to jump-start a car?


To safely jump-start a car, follow these steps:



1. Take out your jumper cables


It’s a good idea to buy a set of jumper cables and keep them in the trunk compartment. If you don’t have jumper cables, you’ll have to find another person with a car who not only is willing to assist you but has jumper cables as well.



2. Place both cars in Park or Neutral


Ensure that the ignition shuts off and their emergency brakes on.



3. Remove the caps from both batteries (unless they’re sealed)


Batteries produce explosive hydrogen gas, and a spark could set it off. If the caps are open, you can avoid such an explosion. (Sealed batteries have safety valves.)



4. Connect the cables


The positive cable has red clips at either end, and the negative cable has black clips. It’s important to attach them in the proper order:


1. First, attach one of the red clips to the positive terminal of your battery (it has “POS” or “+” on it, or it’s bigger than the negative terminal).


2. Attach the other red clip to the positive terminal of the GS’s car.


3. Attach one of the black clips to the negative terminal on the GS’s battery.


4. Attach the last black clip to an unpainted metal surface on your car that isn’t near the carburetor (if your car has one) or battery.



5. Try to start your vehicle


If it won’t start, make sure that the cables are properly connected and have the other person run his or her engine for five minutes. Then try to start your car again. If it still won’t start, your battery may be beyond help.



6. Disconnect the cables


Don’t shut off your engine; drive around for a while to recharge your battery.




Rain or shine, day or night, EX Power delivers car batteries or repair services to your doorstep


Looking for a car battery roadside assistance service provider in Malaysia for your car? We can help!


With EX Power's all-day roadside assistance, you'll have immediate car battery repair and replacement services exactly when and where you need them! our services come with:


✓ Free installation

✓ Free checking

✓ Free delivery


Check us out at https://www.expower.com.my/ or call us now at +6010 888 9166

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