Feb 9, 2024
Test your car battery at Tim Short Mitsubishi’s service department.

Your Mitsubishi relies on the battery to provide the current needed to turn over the engine for starting. After extended use, all batteries gradually lose their ability to hold a charge and eventually need to be replaced. So look out for the signs indicating it’s time for a new car battery and head over to your local Mitsubishi dealer to order one.

Slow or Difficult Starts

Are you cranking your engine but not getting that quick, crisp start sequence you are accustomed to? This is a classic indicator that your battery capacity is on the decline. If the battery has insufficient charge and current, it won’t be able to properly activate the starter motor. Invest in a new battery to eliminate these hassles and restore the smooth cranks you are used to.

Dimming Headlights

If your headlights are dimmer or darker when idling compared to when driving at night, your battery is failing. When the car is idling, it relies on the battery to power the electronics, including the headlights. As the battery wears out, it fails to fully recharge when the car is running. During idling, the headlights dim because there isn’t enough battery charge to power them.

Erratic Operation in Your Electronics

In addition to dimming headlights, your electronics will start to behave erratically if you have a faulty battery. You will start to notice signs like flickering dashboard lights, malfunctioning AC and radio, and power windows stopping mid-motion. These erratic electrical behaviors usually start subtly but become more frequent as the battery progresses to failure. The only remedy is to buy a new battery for your Mitsubishi.

Corroded Battery Terminals

That white, blue, or green crusty buildup you notice on the battery posts or cable connectors is a sign of corrosion. Corrosion occurs when an old or worn-out battery starts to leak acid. It can interfere with the electrical connection between the battery and cables, leading to hard starts and electrical issues. Although cleaning the terminals may help, the most reliable solution is to invest in a new battery.

Rotten Egg Smell Under the Hood

Have you noticed a rotten egg smell coming from under your Mitsubishi’s hood? This awful smell occurs when the battery goes bad and starts to overcharge, causing hydrogen gas to escape.

Old Battery

If your current battery is nearing or exceeding the five-year mark, it is time to replace it. At this age, batteries are unable to hold charge efficiently, and you will start to notice issues with cranking and electronic operation.

Don’t wait for your battery to die and leave you stranded with no help. If you notice these signs, contact Tim Short Mitsubishi to order a new battery for your vehicle.