Getting a New Car Battery for Your Ford

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A dead battery can be a major inconvenience for any driver, and it will inevitably happen at the worst possible time. Unfortunately, a car battery will slowly decline due to age. Its lifespan can also be reduced by other issues in the engine or electrical system. As your Ford dealership, we’d like you to know a few signs your battery could be failing and it’s time to visit us for a new car battery.

Signs You Need a New Car Battery From Your Ford Dealership

Battery Sulfation

Battery sulfation is the build-up of sulfate crystals on the battery plates. Your battery contains chemicals, copper plates, an electrolyte solution, and other components. The chemical relations inside the battery enable it to store and supply electricity and also allow it to recharge when the electricity capacity is low.

Lead sulfate crystals naturally form as part of the chemical processes inside the battery, but they are usually dispersed when the battery is fully recharged. If your battery isn’t charging correctly, for example, the alternator is weak, or the battery is exposed to excessively high temperatures, sulfation will cause the battery to weaken and fail.

Corroded Terminals

Corrosion is most often found in older batteries as one of its main causes is the natural breakdown of the chemicals inside the battery. The main battery chemical, sulfuric acid, releases hydrogen as it gradually breaks down. Hydrogen molecules are minute and will escape the confines of the battery casing.

The hydrogen molecules join with sulfur molecules, which are released into the engine from the fuel. These two types of molecules will form hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is drawn to the battery terminals, and it will gather around them and form an acidic salt. This acid will gradually corrode the terminals and make recharging the battery more difficult. Corrosion can’t be permanently removed once it starts, but we can replace your battery to fix this problem.

Weak Alternator

The alternator generates electricity for your Ford’s systems and is also responsible for recharging the battery. A healthy alternator produces more than enough power to satisfy both of these requirements. As the battery ages, however, its ability to supply electricity declines. The reduced electrical supply from a weak alternator will also affect the battery.

A failing alternator can’t supply enough power to fully recharge the battery. This situation will weaken the battery and eventually cause it to fail. Our technicians can quickly replace a weak alternator, and we’ll test your battery. If the battery hasn’t been damaged, we can recharge it. If the battery is damaged, we’ll install a new one.

If you suspect your battery could be failing, contact our service department right away at Legacy Ford of McDonough in McDonough, GA.

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