Troubleshooting Common Car Battery Issues

Posted on August 15, 2025 by autorepair

Your car battery is the silent hero under your hood, delivering the electrical power needed to start your engine and keep your vehicle running smoothly. When it fails, you’re left stranded—often at the most inconvenient times. Understanding common car battery problems can save you from unexpected breakdowns and costly emergency repairs.

Car battery issues affect millions of drivers every year, but most problems are preventable with proper knowledge and maintenance. Whether you’re dealing with a dead car battery on a cold morning or noticing your engine cranking slower than usual, recognizing the warning signs early can help you address issues before they leave you stuck.

This guide will walk you through the most frequent car battery problems, explain their causes, and provide practical solutions that any car owner can understand. From identifying corrosion to knowing when it’s time for a car battery replacement, you’ll gain the confidence to handle these situations effectively.

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Common Car Battery Problems

Dead Battery

A dead car battery is perhaps the most frustrating automotive issue you’ll encounter. Your car simply won’t start, leaving you stranded until you can get a jump-start or replacement.

Several factors can drain your battery completely. Leaving your headlights, interior lights, or radio on when the engine isn’t running will slowly deplete your battery’s charge. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can also cause batteries to lose their ability to hold a charge effectively. Additionally, as batteries age beyond their typical three to five-year lifespan, they naturally lose capacity.

If you find yourself with a dead battery, jump-starting is often the immediate solution. However, if your battery repeatedly dies, it’s likely time for a replacement. A battery that can’t hold a charge after jump-starting has reached the end of its useful life.

Slow Cranking

When you turn your key and hear your engine turning over more slowly than usual, your battery is sending you an early warning signal. This sluggish cranking sound indicates that your battery doesn’t have enough power to turn the starter motor at full speed.

Slow cranking typically occurs when your battery’s voltage drops below optimal levels. This can happen due to age, cold weather, or a charging system that isn’t properly maintaining your battery. Pay attention to this warning sign—it often appears weeks or even months before complete battery failure.

The solution depends on the underlying cause. If cold weather is the culprit, your battery may perform normally once temperatures rise. However, if slow cranking persists in moderate temperatures, consider having your battery tested and potentially replaced before it leaves you stranded.

Corrosion

Battery terminal corrosion appears as a white, blue, or greenish buildup around the metal terminals where your battery cables connect. This corrosion occurs when battery acid vapors escape and react with the metal components, creating a crusty substance that can interfere with electrical connections.

Corrosion reduces the efficiency of your electrical system and can eventually prevent your car from starting. The buildup creates resistance in the connection, reducing the amount of power flowing from your battery to your starter and other electrical components.

Cleaning corrosion is straightforward but requires safety precautions. Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling car battery maintenance. Disconnect the battery cables (negative terminal first), then clean the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away the buildup, then rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly before reconnecting the cables.

Swollen Battery

A swollen or bloated battery case is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. This swelling occurs when excessive heat causes the battery’s internal components to expand, or when the battery is overcharged repeatedly.

High temperatures under the hood, especially during summer months, can cause battery cases to expand. Faulty charging systems that overcharge the battery can also lead to swelling. A swollen battery is often a sign of internal damage and should be replaced promptly.

Never attempt to use a visibly swollen battery, as it may leak acid or even rupture. Replace it immediately and have your charging system checked to prevent the same problem from occurring with your new battery.

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Car Battery Replacement Options

When your battery reaches the end of its life, you’ll need to decide between purchasing a used car battery or investing in a new car battery. Each option has distinct advantages and considerations.

Used Car Batteries

Used car batteries offer an economical solution for drivers on a tight budget. Typically priced between $50 and $150, depending on the model and any remaining warranty, they can provide temporary relief when money is tight.

However, used car battery purchases come with uncertainty. You may not know the battery’s history, how it was maintained, or how much life remains. Used batteries usually carry limited warranties, often ranging from 30 to 90 days, which may only cover basic functionality rather than performance issues related to age.

Consider a used car battery if you’re driving an older vehicle that may not justify the investment in a new battery, or if you need a temporary solution while saving for a better replacement.

New Car Batteries

New car batteries represent the most reliable long-term investment for your vehicle. Priced between $100 and $300, depending on the brand, type, and warranty options, they offer peace of mind and predictable performance.

Popular brands like Duracell, DieHard, Duralast, and Napa provide quality options with comprehensive warranties. New car batteries typically come with warranties ranging from one to three years, with some brands offering pro-rated warranties extending up to five years.

When selecting a new battery, consider the type that best fits your needs. Lead-acid batteries remain the most common and affordable option for most vehicles. AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries offer superior performance and longer life but cost more initially. Lithium-ion batteries provide the latest technology with excellent performance but come with the highest price tag.

Professional installation typically costs an additional $20 to $50, though many retailers offer free installation with purchase. Factor in disposal fees for your old battery, which most shops will handle as part of the replacement process.

Preventative Car Battery Maintenance

Regular maintenance can significantly extend your battery’s life and prevent unexpected failures. Simple checks and proper care habits will save you money and inconvenience.

Inspect your battery terminals monthly for signs of corrosion. Clean any buildup immediately using the baking soda solution method described earlier. Ensure your battery is securely mounted in its tray to prevent vibration damage, which can shorten battery life significantly.

Check your battery’s voltage periodically, especially before long trips or during extreme weather conditions. A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts when the engine is off. Many auto parts stores offer free battery testing if you don’t own a multimeter.

Your driving habits also affect battery longevity. Limit short trips when possible, as they don’t allow your alternator enough time to fully recharge the battery. If you don’t drive frequently, consider using a battery tender or maintainer to prevent the natural discharge that occurs when vehicles sit unused.

Car battery fluid levels should be checked in serviceable batteries. If levels are low, add distilled water carefully, avoiding overfilling. However, many modern batteries are sealed and don’t require fluid maintenance.

Safety First: Handling Car Batteries Properly

Working with car batteries requires attention to safety due to the presence of sulfuric acid and the potential for electrical hazards. Always wear safety glasses and gloves to protect against acid splashes and harmful fumes.

Ensure your vehicle is turned off with keys removed before beginning any battery work. When disconnecting cables, always remove the negative terminal first to prevent electrical shorts. Work in a well-ventilated area, as batteries can emit dangerous gases.

Never smoke or bring open flames near a battery, as hydrogen gas can accumulate and create an explosion risk. If you’re uncomfortable performing battery maintenance yourself, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

Conclusion

Understanding car battery problems empowers you to maintain your vehicle’s reliability and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Regular inspection, proper maintenance, and timely replacement when necessary will keep you on the road with confidence.

Whether you choose a used car battery for budget-conscious relief or invest in a new car battery for long-term reliability, addressing battery issues promptly prevents more costly problems down the road. Remember that your battery is just one component of your vehicle’s charging system—if you’re experiencing repeated battery failures, have your alternator and charging system inspected as well.

Don’t wait for your battery to leave you stranded. Schedule a battery checkup with Northeast Auto Service to ensure your vehicle starts reliably every time you turn the key.

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5 Reasons Why Your Car is Shaking

Posted on July 15, 2022 by autorepair

Cars are meant to move in all sorts of ways, but shaking, vibrating, and bobbing are not considered normal in terms of conventional automotive performance. If your vehicle is showing any signs of odd movement like shaking, it is important to diagnose the problem and resolve the issue before any more damage results.

Continue reading to learn the top 5 reasons why your car might be shaking, plus where to get dealership level automotive service and repair at neighborhood prices.

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Why Does Your Car Have the Shakes?

Car shaking and vibrating are not symptoms you should ever ignore. In most cases, such movements are indicative of a serious underlying mechanical problem. Other times, it can be something simple like uneven tire tread wear. Regardless of why your car is shaking, it is important that you take it into your local Indianapolis mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and resolve the issue. The longer you wait to repair whatever it is causing your car to shake or vibrate, then the worse your vehicle’s condition will get. This means costlier and more invasive repairs.

Whether the vibrating and shaking are happening intermittently, or every single time you drive, you can help your mechanic diagnose the issue by recounting when the shaking takes place. Does your car shake when you’re in idle? Does it shake intermittently as you drive? Does your car shake when you start the vehicle but then stops shaking as you begin to drive? Do you hear any odd sounds when your car begins to shake? Have you been in an accident recently, even a minor one like running over a squirrel? This is all important information that your mechanic will need to know in order to efficiently diagnose the issue and facilitate the needed repair.

5 Common Causes for a Shaking Car

Although there are many reasons why a car might be shaking and vibrating, the top 5 reasons typically involve issues with the wheels, tires, engine, or steering and suspension system. These are the areas your mechanic will focus on first as they begin the process of deciphering the issues causing your car shakes.

Tires

As mentioned earlier, sometimes cars will begin shaking if they have low or uneven tire tread. Imbalanced tires can also cause cars to shake. You might just need routine tire service to correct the issue, such as rotation and alignment, tire inflation, or tire replacement.

Wheels

If you can feel the shaking beneath your feet coming up through the floorboards, particularly at higher speeds near 50 miles an hour, the wheels could be to blame. A routine wheel balance should set you straight. However, it could be due to loosen lug nuts or broken wheel bearings, which are both easy and inexpensive to repair.

Steering and Suspension

Your steering and suspension system are responsible for keeping your car steady as you drive over rough terrain. If something is mechanically off within your steering and suspension, such as a bent axle, damaged CV joint, or faulty driveshaft, your car may begin to bounce or bobble as you drive when you reach higher speeds. Although much different from shaking and vibrating, this is still a problem that needs immediate attention.

Engine

If your car begins to shake when you are stopped in idle, it is likely due to mechanical issues within the engine. In most cases, spark plug replacement is the solution. Other than spark plugs, car shaking could be caused from dirty or clogged air filters, loose motor mounts, or disconnected spark plug wires.

Brakes

Car shaking can also present itself when the car brakes are engaged. If your car begins to shake or vibrate when you press down on the brake pedal, the issue could likely be due to worn-out brake pads or warped brake rotors. If you smell a burning order when you hit the brakes, you could have a brake caliper that’s stuck. All of these issues can be resolved with the help of a licensed mechanic.

Are you looking for a qualified automotive repair shop in Indy to resolve your car shaking issue at an affordable price? Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for superior, ASE licensed auto repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We service all make and model vehicles.

FAQS About Factory Scheduled Car Maintenance

Posted on February 25, 2021 by autorepair

If you are a car owner, it is necessary to know how to take care of your asset in order to protect your investment. And it all starts with routine car maintenance. Everything from sensible driving and fluid changes, to filter replacements, battery care, and more, are all important parts of maintaining a safe and operational vehicle for years to come. You can find the recommended maintenance schedule you’re your vehicle in its owners’ manual. Or you can contact a trusted mechanic for advice.

Continue reading to review some of the most commonly asked questions about car maintenance, and who to trust with your vehicle.

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Car Care and Maintenance Mechanic Advice

When Should I Rotate and Balance My Tires?

Your car’s tires play a large role in gas mileage, fuel efficiency, performance, and safety. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to your tire’s condition and routine needs. It is recommended to rotate and balance tires every 5,000 miles, or at every other oil change.

When Should I Get My Oil Changed?

Oil changes are vital for your vehicle. Without them, your car simply wouldn’t run after some time. So be sure to get your oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If you drive often or drive long distances frequently, you may need to get them at closer intervals.

When Should I Replace My Spark Plugs?

Spark plugs are important components to your vehicle’s engine. For this reason, and many more, you should replace worn-out spark plugs every 30,000 miles, or every 3 years. This will also improve your fuel efficiency.

Do I Have to Replace My Timing Belt?

You MUST replace your timing belt when the manufacturer recommends! If you fail to do so, it can cause major engine damage, which is extremely expensive to repair. Timing belt replacement is the much cheaper option.

Does My Check Engine Light Mean I Need Car Maintenance?

Well, not exactly. It illuminates when you are in dire need of car maintenance or repair. Your trusted mechanic, coupled with your car’s owners’ manual, will let you know when you need car maintenance. That is because car maintenance should be on the preventative side. You do not want to wait until there is something wrong to act.

What Do I Do if My Car Overheats?

Pull over immediately, turn off the engine, allow it to cool completely, and then check to see if you are low on coolant. In most cases, a quick re-fill of radiator fluid, also known as coolant, is the cure for an overheating engine. In other cases, it can be something more serious. If your car continues to overheat, even with coolant, you need auto repair.

Why is My Engine Oil Look Milky?

When coolant leaks into the engine oil, it can take on a milky-brown color. Blown head gaskets, cracked casings, and transmission cooler failure are common causes. This is a very serious issue that requires immediate auto repair.

When Do I Need to Replace the Fuel Filter?

Just like spark plugs, fuel filters should be replaced every 30,000 miles or so. You can couple this service with your spark plug replacement and get them done at the same time.

What Do I Do if I Have a Burnt Fuse?

Burnt out fuses should be replaced immediately. Be sure to always use the same amperage, which you can find printed on the fuse. It the same fuse continues to cause problems; you may have an issue with your circuit. This requires professional inspection and repair.

Do you need factory schedule car maintenance in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for automotive repair services at the most affordable prices in town!

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What is Car Maintenance Insurance?
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How to Wash Your Car Using the Rain

Posted on June 9, 2020 by autorepair

Did you know that a clean vehicle is a happy vehicle? Okay, so our cars don’t actually have feelings, but it can be argued that a clean car has better drive-ability and aerodynamics. Also, neglecting to wash your car regularly will subject it to years of piled up residue, which can cause paint erosion, rust, and more. This type of damage has a devastating effect on a vehicle’s overall value. On the flip side, washing your car too often can be viewed as a monumental waste of water. So, how do you find the happy medium? By using nature to wash and rinse your car instead!

Continue reading to learn how to wash your car naturally using nothing but environmentally-friendly cleanser and rainwater.

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The Clean Facts About Rainwater

Rainwater contains a load of healthy elements. In fact, it has always been rumored that rainwater does wonders for your hair! So, it should do the same for a car; right? But can rainwater really wash a vehicle? Well yes! The force and consistency of a rainstorm produces enough precipitation and pressure to remove caked-up pollen, tree sap, dead bugs, dirt, and other common exterior residues. So, once you have removed the heavy grime from the exterior of your vehicle, a good rainstorm every so often is all you need! But to remove heavier grime, you will need to take a few steps before the rain comes.

How to Do It

Choose a non-toxic, eco-friendly mild dish soap to use for car washing purposes. This type of cleanser is safe for the environment, as well as, yourself and your vehicle. You can find an organic, non-toxic dish cleaner at any local grocery or home improvement store for a fair price. Consider Method® dish soap – 18 oz. – $3.

Don a bathing suit or some other type of outfit you don’t mind getting wet and possible soapy. Apply several drops of your liquid soap to a large, soggy sponge. Then simply scrub away, all over your vehicle, including your tires and wheels. Then just sit back and wait for the rain to rinse it all clean!

Affordable Indianapolis Auto Service You Can Trust

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for the best prices on professional auto services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of car repairs and scheduled maintenance services for both foreign and domestic vehicles. We also provide several amenities, such as free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, and more.

What is Car Maintenance Insurance?

Posted on March 9, 2020 by autorepair

Routine factory scheduled maintenance is necessary for all cars and trucks. Without routine car maintenance, a vehicle is not safe to drive and will quickly deteriorate, incur damage, and eventually become inoperable. For this reason, many drivers look into insurance options to combat the high price of regular car maintenance, especially those who have invested in luxury vehicles. The more expensive or high-priced a vehicle is, the more costly and frequent the maintenance will be. This is not always the case, but it is very common.

Continue reading to learn how car maintenance insurance works, and where you can get the best deals on auto service near you.

Understanding how car maintenance insurance works is not difficult. There are two primary concepts or objectives behind auto maintenance insurance. First, this type of policy is meant to ensure that a vehicle still receives the benefits of recommended factory maintenance after its warranty is void. Second, car maintenance insurance is often used as a tool to persuade car buyers to purchase an extended warranty.

Dealership Insurance

When a person buys a car from a dealership, it is common for the dealership to include a complimentary vehicle maintenance package with the purchase of an extended warranty. When a person leases a car from a dealership, it is common for the dealership to offer free car maintenance services so that the car stays carefully monitored during the leasing agreement, and is returned in good condition when the lease is over.

Extended warranties are good for anyone who expects to have a major car repair over the next several years that is too expensive for them to repair. This is the gamble car buyers take when purchasing extended warranties.

Third-Party Insurance

As for third party car maintenance insurance, or insurance policies purchased outside of a car dealership, these work just like health or homeowners’ insurance policies. You simply outsource a reliable insurance carrier, purchase a policy, and pay a monthly premium. When your car needs serviced, you just take it to an auto repair shop that is accepted by your insurance policy. The policy will pay for all, or a portion, of the maintenance bill. Generally, there is very little cost left for the owner to pay for.

Vehicle maintenance insurance carriers can drop car owners if they do not comply with the recommended factory scheduled maintenance time intervals. This will result in the owner being entirely responsible for all maintenance and repair costs. Talk to a licensed mechanic, or review your owners’ manual, for your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule.

Need a North Indianapolis Auto Mechanic?

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional Indianapolis car maintenance and repair services you can trust. Our ASE certified car mechanics provide a wide range of automotive services for all make and model vehicles, foreign and domestic. Schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime. Don’t forget to ask us about our auto repair coupons and discounts!

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Safety Tips for DIY Car Radiator Inspection

Posted on June 12, 2017 by autorepair

Car Radiator Repair 317-475-1846

When a vehicle is in motion, or simply running, you can bet that the engine is producing a mass amount of heat. This heat can quickly build up and destroy an engine if proper care and attention is not given. One of the principle factors to not letting a car engine overheat, is to protect and responsibly maintain its coolant system. This means regular antifreeze refills and car radiator flushes. Coolant should be inspected just as often as other routine car fluid maintenance schedules; like oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, windshield wiper fluid, battery fluid, and more. A vehicle is a serious responsibility, and requires a certain level of attention in order to ensure proper performance, safety, and longevity. Continue reading to learn more about car radiators and tips for safe inspection.

Car Radiators

The most common injury sustained when it comes to DIY car radiator inspections and service is upper extremity burns. Hands, fingers, palms, forearms, and more are all vulnerable to the strikingly intense burn that comes from boiling-hot car radiators and caps. The first thing to master before checking your own car radiator, is to avoid getting burned.

Here’s some tips on avoiding radiator burns:

⚙ Turn Off the Ignition and Wait for the Engine to Cool Completely

Just because the hood of a vehicle feels cool or slightly warm to the touch DOES NOT mean the radiator fluid inside is cool. If this liquid has not come down from its boiling temperatures yet, neither has the radiator.

⚙ Always Use a Rag or Burn-Resistant Glove

It is encouraged to use a rag, cloth, or burn-resistant glove even AFTER the engine has cooled down. As mentioned before, a seemingly cool vehicle may still pose a burn-threat underneath the hood. It is best to unscrew the radiator cap with some sort of skin protection, like a towel or glove. Remember the system is pressurized. It is better to be safe then screaming!

⚙ Always Tilt the Cap

When you are removing the cap to the radiator, be sure to always tilt the cap away from your face. This avoids getting sprayed in the face with any pressurized antifreeze that has worked its way up the system. Again, make sure the vehicle has cooled down before attempting to open the radiator cap!

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service

Northeast Auto Service 317-475-1846

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional car radiator repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are ASE licensed and certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of foreign and domestic auto repair services, as well as, free estimates, automotive service coupons, and more. Call 317-475-1846 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis auto repair, today.