A healthy battery is essential for your Ford, as it provides the initial electrical charge that starts your engine. As time passes, your battery will wear out and you'll need a replacement. As your Ford dealer, we'd like you to know some signs that it's time to visit us for a new car battery. Swollen Battery Most car batteries are rectangular, but square ones are also available. If you pop the hood and your battery looks swollen or distorted, you have a battery problem. The swelling is due to a buildup of hydrogen gas inside the case. Hydrogen gas is a byproduct of the battery's chemical processes, and it forms as the sulfuric acid in the battery breaks down. more The swelling can also be caused by very hot or cold conditions. Extreme temperatures will cause the battery chemicals to expand. These chemicals can't escape the battery, so internal pressure will distort the battery case. A distorted battery can't be repaired, and its condition will quickly worsen. We can replace a swollen battery with a new one speedily – just stop by and our service technicians will get you set up with a new battery and peace of mind. Sulfur Smells Hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs. This dangerous and corrosive gas shouldn't be present in your car. It's formed when hydrogen gas escapes the battery and mixes with sulfur, which is present in your engine due to the presence of fuel. When these two chemicals combine, the resulting hydrogen sulfide will start to corrode the battery terminals and connectors. Hydrogen gas will only escape the battery when sulfuric acid breaks down. Since sulfuric acid is essential for your battery to be able to store and supply electricity, the presence of hydrogen means that your battery is failing. The corrosion caused by hydrogen sulfide will simply hasten your battery's failure. Our technicians will replace your battery to fix this problem. Starting Difficulties The battery provides the initial electrical charge that starts your engine. A charge is sent from the battery to the starter. This charge powers the starter, which then initiates the crank. When your engine cranks, the combustion process should start, and combustion will keep your engine running until you switch it off. Your Ford engine should start within seconds of pressing the start button. If the engine doesn't start, you could have a worn-out battery. As a battery ages or suffers damage, its ability to retain and supply electrical charges decreases. A severely worn battery might not retain enough power to start your engine. We'll test your battery and replace it if it's failing. A worn battery will always let you down when you need it the most. Call our service department today at Will Tiesiera Ford, and we'll fix your battery problem so that you can continue driving without worry.
