4 Signs Your VW May Need Battery Service

The battery in your car can last quite a long time if you take good care of it. But when it does go, it always seems to happen at the worst possible time. A battery service at your VW dealership can help you stay on top of the lifespan of your battery, as well as keep it in good shape. This allows you to get the longest possible life out of it and always have an idea of how much longer you have before it goes.

1. Warning Lights

There’s a light on your dashboard that shaped like a battery, and this is obviously a big sign that there’s an issue. If that lights up, there could be a problem with the alternator or the battery could be getting close to the end of its life. However, it could be something else, so always take it to your dealership to find out. If the check engine light comes on, this can also sometimes indicate a battery problem, so be sure not to ignore any warning lights.

2. Physical Changes

Take a look at the battery once in a while. If it’s starting to change shape, swell, or you see any visible leaking, it’s very important to get it checked out right away. If it’s just a bit of minor corrosion, you can try cleaning it off, and if it doesn’t come back, there’s nothing to worry about. If it comes back quickly, that’s a bad sign.

3. Startup Issues

Obviously, the primary role of your battery is to get the engine started. If you’re having any trouble with this, such as delays in the engine firing up or some cranking before that happens, that could indicate your battery is near the end of its life. The same is true if you’re experiencing any unexpected stalls at lights or stop signs.

4. Headlight Dimming

Your headlights will often be the first indicator that something is a bit off with your battery. They will stop operating at full brightness and appear weaker or even start to flicker if the battery is beginning to die. This will be most noticeable when you first start the car and turn the lights on, or as you’re tooling around local streets at slow speeds. Once you get up onto the highway and at speed, this may go away, but headlights are an early warning sign you should pay attention to.

No one wants to find themselves unable to start their car in a strange place on a dark, rainy night or when there’s an emergency, so visit us at Gorman McCracken Volkswagen in Longview, TX as soon as possible if your battery needs some TLC.

Tags: gorman mccracken volkswagen, volkswagen longview tx, Volkswagen Service Longview, Volkswagen service tips and maintenance, VW Battery service
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