Your battery light typically turns on when you start your car. However, it should turn off within a few seconds. If it doesn’t turn off, something in the charging system has likely stopped working.  A battery warning light that stays on while driving indicates that the battery is no longer being charged by the alternator and is running on its own charge. This means that the car will eventually run out of battery power and stop working. Your battery depends on the alternator and its energy sources to hold a charge.

What Does The Battery Light On My Car Mean?

It would be nice if your car's battery light just meant it was time to change the battery. But in reality, it can indicate several issues that might be causing your battery not to stay charged, such as:

• Corroded or loose battery cable
• Faulty alternator or voltage regulator
• Damaged battery cells or plates
• Defective wiring in your car’s electric charging system

What to Do If Your Car Battery Light Comes on While Driving

It is unsafe to drive with your car battery light on. Issues that activate your car battery light, like a defective battery or faulty alternator, can cause your car to lose power. In these instances, your car won’t operate as it usually would. If you’re driving and your car battery light comes on, finding a safe spot to stop will be important. If you are close to your home or a Fix Auto USA location where you can get your car checked out, you can try to get there. The vehicle may be able to go a short distance safely. Verify that all unnecessary electrical systems, such as the heating and cooling, stereo, interior lighting, seat heating, charging, Bluetooth, entertainment, and navigation systems, are turned off. Doing so can help increase the distance the car can drive. Don’t drive any further than you have to after your battery light comes on. You could lose your power steering, making it difficult to control your car. If you experience complete power loss, you face a greater risk of an accident. Pull off the road immediately if you sense a loss of power.

How To Troubleshoot Your Car Battery Light

As the battery is an essential piece of car equipment, you must ensure that it’s operating properly. If you’re uncertain why your battery light is on, you can try troubleshooting the problem. Or, take your car to Fix Auto USA for an inspection and repair by a certified auto technician. When the battery light on your car turns and stays on, check the following issues before replacing your battery.

1. Corrosion

Exhaust gases can accumulate on top of the battery terminals, resulting in corrosion. This problem is more common in summer or areas with year-round warm weather. Before you check for corrosion, put on protective gloves. Next, remove your battery’s terminal covers. If you notice a white or green substance on the battery or around its terminals, your battery has corroded.

2. Dirty Battery Terminals

Look at your battery terminals. In addition to corrosion, grime, dirt, and other debris around the terminals can cause your battery light to turn on. Try cleaning your terminals.

3. Check Your Connections

A poor connection between your battery and its respective cables can cause your battery light to illuminate. These connections can loosen during everyday driving, so tighten any loose battery cables and clamps. Don’t forget to check the connections on your alternator as well.

4. Inspect the Battery Case

It’s also a good idea to visually inspect the rest of the battery for cracks, corrosion, or other suspicious-looking areas that might indicate the battery is faulty.

5. Check Your Belt

Your serpentine belt (also known as the alternator or drive belt) runs along multiple parts of your engine and helps promote battery charging. Check it for cracks, breaks, misalignment, or other signs of damage.

6. Check Your Fuses

Worn-out fuses won’t cause a loss of power, but they can cause false indicators. The electrical problem may also cause a fuse to blow. Checking the fuses can help you determine the issue.

7. Start Your Engine

Once you’ve done everything possible to troubleshoot the problem, turn your car on again. If you still find the battery light on your dashboard remains on, you may be dealing with a more significant mechanical or wiring issue. It’s time to bring your car to a certified automotive technician who can diagnose and correct the problem.

Find a Fix Auto USA near You

When your battery light comes on while driving, visit the automotive experts at Fix Auto USA for help with the electrical problem. Find your nearest Fix Auto USA location and schedule an appointment for honest answers and solutions to all your automotive needs.