Posted on 12/21/2021
A common mechanical issue in starting problems with most vehicles (especially with older models), is whether the behavior is due to a bad battery or a bad alternator. Since the two are inextricably linked this can be hard to determine sometimes. A strong battery will run a car for a time if the alternator goes out, but it does all of the work originally designed for the two to do together. If the battery dies however, then the car goes nowhere. Both problems are equally important and require immediate fixing. Yet, it can be confusing to know which one to fix over the other, so here is a guide to assist on some of the more common issues from the battery or the alternator. If the current battery in your car is old, it might show signs of corrosion in the form of battery fluid leaking, there might even be a strange odor wafting through the vents that smells acidic. New batteries last approximately 3 to 5 years, but you have to calculate the amount of travel made wi ... read more