Why Does My Car Battery Take So Long to Start?

Does your car currently suffer from what seems to be an underperforming battery that takes forever to start up? There are several factors that could be causing this issue, so we at Gilland Ford have compiled a short overview of some potential culprits in this guide. However, if you want more information regarding this subject matter, then be sure to get in touch with our team at your earliest convenience!
Weather
While it might not be the first possibility that comes to your mind, the outdoor climate conditions can actually play a major role in your car battery’s health. This is because temperatures can actually impact a battery significantly, which in turn leads to performance deficiencies long term. Cold weather in particular is what you want to avoid, as a car battery can lose much of its charge when it’s exposed to such conditions for extended periods. So, if you have access to a garage, then be sure to always park your car inside, rather than leaving it to sit outside overnight. This is especially important during the winter when temperatures drop to their lowest points during the year in Ozark.
Age Of the Engine
If you have the time to visit our Service Department, we’ll be able to take an in-depth look at your Ford Explorer, Expedition, or Bronco Sport’s battery to see what kind of condition it’s in. In some cases, it might actually prove to be perfectly fine from a health perspective, but that doesn’t mean that the source of its longer starting will remain a mystery. Rather, the engine can actually be the root cause in some instances, due to the fact that it’s also directly involved with the ignition process. For example, the alternator is the part of the system that turns the mechanical energy of the engine into electrical power. So, if it’s aging to the point where it can no longer handle that task for your visits to Ed Lisenby Lake, then even a brand new battery won’t remedy the slower starting times. In that case, the alternator would need to be serviced, which our factory-trained technicians can also take care of for you.
Condition Of the Battery
Ideally, you won’t have to do much digging to find the source of your Ford model’s battery woes, and there’s a chance that all you need to do is pop the hood of the vehicle. Because the battery is easily visible, you can inspect it directly for any signs of damage, corrosion, rust, and other elements that may indicate its poor condition. There are many reasons that can lead to a battery’s demise, but even if you keep it properly maintained and follow manufacturer service guidelines, it’s important to remember that the average lifespan of a car battery is three to five years. If you suspect that your vehicle’s hardware may be reaching that milestone, then consider scheduling a service appointment at our dealership location to get a professional opinion on what your next step should be to get its performance back on track.
