MY CAR WON'T START: DO I HAVE A DEAD BATTERY OR A FAULTY ALTERNATOR?

My Car Won't Start: Do I Have a Dead Battery or a Faulty Alternator?

Picture this. You're running out the door and need to get to work when suddenly, your car won't start. Every driver has thought about it and hoped it wouldn't happen to them. So, why won't your car start? You might be asking yourself, "do I have a dead battery or a faulty alternator?"

Cavender Lexus of Lubbock gets to the bottom of that for you. To help drivers in Lubbock, Amarillo, and Midland, TX, learn a little bit more about what's going on under the hood, we looked at some warning signs and potential causes.

4 Signs of Battery Problems

Your car battery is essential for starting the engine and keeping it running. Most batteries last between two and five years, but sometimes they need to be replaced sooner. Both the temperature and your driving habits can affect how long the battery lasts for. If you can't start your car, the following warning signs point to your battery:

• Dashboard Battery Gauge: If your car has a battery gauge on the instrument cluster, see where the needle falls when you try to turn the key.
• Dashboard Lights: Put the key in the idling position and look at the rest of your dashboard warning lights. If they look dim, there's a decent chance your battery is dead.
• Check For Corrosion: Another common cause of battery problems is when they start to corrode. Pop the hood and look for any signs of battery acid.
• Cold Weather: Sometimes, a cold morning can stop your battery from working right. Try to start your car a few times or wait until it gets a little warmer outside.

3 Signs of a Faulty Alternator

If you're able to find a friend, family member, or another driver to jump your car, you should be able to start it. Once you've got the engine running, you can figure out if it's a bad battery or problems with your alternator. Some signs of alternator trouble include:

• Dim Dome Lights: When you've got the engine running and the dome lights look dimmer than usual, you may have a faulty alternator.
• Dim Headlights: Along the same lines, dim headlights can be a sign that the alternator is not directing power to them.
• Burning Smell: If you smell something burning, there's a good chance your alternator is overheating.

Visit Our Service Center

Whether you've got a dead battery or a faulty alternator, you can count on the service technicians at Cavender Lexus of Lubbock. Our factory-trained technicians can take care of any issues you have under the hood. From checking your battery and replacing it to fixing your alternator, they help drivers in Lubbock, Amarillo, and Midland, Texas, get you back on the road in no time.

Plus, our experienced team only uses the best parts. With genuine Lexus parts that were made for your vehicle, you'll get the best performance. Contact us if you run into any trouble starting your car or schedule service online.