Few things are more frustrating than hopping in your car, turning the key, and hearing... nothing. A dead battery can throw off your entire day—but luckily, it often gives off warning signs before it completely fails.

At D&G Towing in Fresno, CA, we’ve assisted countless drivers with battery issues over the years. By recognizing early signs of battery trouble, you can avoid getting stuck at the worst possible time.

Top Signs Your Car Battery Is on Its Way Out

1. Slow Engine Crank

If your engine sounds sluggish or takes longer than usual to start, that’s a telltale sign. A weakening battery may not be providing enough power to crank the engine, especially after short trips or in cold weather.

2. Dimming or Flickering Lights

If your headlights dim when idling or your dashboard lights flicker, your battery may be struggling to deliver consistent voltage to your vehicle’s electrical systems.

3. Clicking Sounds When Starting

A clicking noise when turning the key or pressing the ignition button usually means your battery doesn’t have enough charge to start the car. This is a very common symptom of a failing battery.

4. Swollen or Misshapen Battery Case

If your battery case looks swollen or distorted, it could be due to extreme heat or internal overcharging—both of which can seriously shorten the life of your battery.

5. Sulfur Smell

Smelling something like rotten eggs under the hood? That’s often a sign of battery acid leakage, which can cause corrosion and damage surrounding engine components.

6. Frequent Jump Starts

Needing a jump start more than once or twice is a big red flag. Even if the battery temporarily revives, it likely won’t hold a charge for long and should be replaced soon.

How to Prevent a Dead Battery

Want to avoid the hassle of battery failure? Here are a few practical tips:

Test Your Battery Regularly
Schedule routine battery checks—especially before long trips or seasonal weather changes.
Clean the Terminals
Corrosion buildup can prevent proper electrical contact. Use a wire brush and corrosion remover to keep terminals clean.
Minimize Short Trips
Brief drives don’t allow your battery to fully recharge. Combine errands or go for a longer drive occasionally.
Turn Off Accessories
Always shut off your headlights, interior lights, and radio before exiting your vehicle to reduce battery drain.

Stranded in Fresno with Battery Trouble? Call D&G Towing

If you’re dealing with a dead battery in Fresno, D&G Towing is here to help. Our 24/7 Jump Start Services are fast and reliable—we’ll get your vehicle powered up and back on the road in no time.

If your battery is completely shot, we also provide Towing Services to get your car safely to a nearby mechanic or auto shop.

Explore More Tips from the D&G Blog

Here are more helpful reads to keep you prepared on the road:

Need Immediate Help? Get in Touch

Don’t wait until your battery completely gives out. If you’re in a pinch, contact us or give D&G Towing a call for 24/7 emergency service in Fresno and the surrounding areas.

Know the signs. Take action early. And when all else fails, let D&G Towing handle the rest.

Contact Us

Warning Signs Your Car Battery Is Dying—and What You Can Do About It