Dead Car Battery? What are the Signs…

Free First Look Richard Gauthier
Call now to schedule! 661-679-7957

It’s always a good idea to know how much time a car battery will last. No one wants to deal with a dead car battery. And the reason for that is this kind of information isn’t always something the driver knows. In fact a lot of people believe that a Car Battery will last forever, and that’s not the case at all. You will need a battery replacement from time to time. That’s why when you encounter some car trouble, it might very well be from the car battery, so you have to take that into consideration and see what causes this issue to begin with.

What affects the Car Battery life?

There are multiple factors that will increase or lower the Car Battery life. Environmental factors, temperature, humidity and the way you use your Car Battery can obviously become problems. That’s the reason why you want to address such a problem quickly in the first place. It’s actually going to be worth it and the great approach is that you can do it in no time without worries.

However, just because you have a car battery that works, that doesn’t mean it will run indefinitely. Even if you take good care of it, you don’t expose the vehicle to the elements and so on, you will still end up with issues, and that’s the thing you want to think about. Those issues will not be something extremely simple to deal with, but in the end you have to address that the best way that you can.

Signs Of A Dead or Dying Car Battery:

  1. Old battery. This seems obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. …
  2. Slow to start. This is the classic bad battery symptom. …
  3. Cranks or clicks, but won’t start. …
  4. Dash lights work, but car won’t start. …
  5. More frequent jump starts. …
  6. Heavy corrosion or film.

How do you know if your alternator is bad or bad battery?

How do you troubleshoot the the problem is really a dead car battery or the alternator? If you go to start your car and the engine does start, but dies immediately, the likely culprit is probably you alternator and not the battery. This is because your alternator is not keeping the battery charged. If you jumpstart your car and it stays running, but it wont start again, a dead car battery is most likely this issue.

Signs of a bad alternator

If you have gone through the steps above and the car battery is working. Then your problem is a bad alternator.

  1. Dim interior lights. While running the car, note the brightness of the interior lights. If the dashboard gradually dims, the alternator is likely at fault.
  2. Dim or overly bright headlights. Do you notice your headlights running brighter as you accelerate and dimming as you stop? This is often caused by the alternator not keeping the battery adequately charged.
  3. Growling noises. Did you hear a growling sound before the trouble started? That sometimes occurs before an alternator fails.
  4. Smell of burning rubber or hot wire. Are there signs your alternator is overheating, such as the smell of burning rubber or hot wires? If so, it’s time to replace it.
  5. Test the alternator. Some may recommend running the engine with the negative battery cable disconnected to test the alternator. However, this is not a good idea because it could damage the electrical system of your vehicle and cause greater problems.

Sources: Excerpt taken from Nationwide Insurance

How long should you keep your battery?

The reality is that the battery fluid will end up causing issues after some years and you can have car trouble. That’s why you need to go to a local mechanic to solve this issue. Of course you can increase the amount of time you can use the battery with car maintenance, but you need a lot of carefulness and attention. Once you do that adequately, it will be well worth it, so try to focus on the best results and you will enjoy it.

Your Car Battery will last for around 6 years, sometimes a bit more or less based on how you take care of it. As long as you do this properly, it will be well worth it, and that’s what you want to achieve. You need to realize that a car battery can require a lot of maintenance, especially if you store it outside. But if you do it right, nothing will be impossible. Just try to take that into consideration and you will be heavily impressed with the process and the entire experience.

At the end of the day, it’s realistic to expect your Car Battery to last at least 6 years. It might last less than that, but in the end you will appreciate the experience. We recommend you to give it a try for yourself and the outcome can be second to none every time. Rest assured that proper car maintenance can increase the Car Battery life, so that’s something to keep in mind.

Bakersfield Californian Best Of

Ready to work with one of Bakersfield best auto repair and maintenance shops? With years of experience, our team knows exactly what to look for to help get your vehicle back on the road.

Call Now! 661-679-7957

What our customers are saying...

Posted on Google Google
Felecia Hernandez profile picture
Felecia Hernandez
July 17, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The people are friendly, fast and attentive. They explained everything they were going to do and what I should get done to keep my car in tip top shape. I highly recommend them.
Posted on Google Google
Robby Bostain profile picture
Robby Bostain
July 17, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very professional and very understanding of how car maintenance can effect your day. They offer free rides back home and to come back and pick up making the convenience much easier. Highly recommend!!
Posted on Google Google
Clark Taron profile picture
Clark Taron
July 16, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Awesome prompt service. Ac service same day friendly staff pricing is good aswell.
Posted on Google Google
Dex Com profile picture
Dex Com
July 13, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We have been looking for a trustworthy auto repair shop since our auto shop owner retired years ago, we have *not* had a good experience until we found G&G Auto Repair. Hands down these folks are the best, competent, honest, and trustworthy shop that I have run across, these folks are reliable like our old shop. They have done great work on our van at fair prices, and that’s all I can ask for :) They also go above and beyond by texting all repair docs, assessments, and diagnostic results to my phone for review and approval. I really wish I had found them years ago. I highly recommend this shop!
Posted on Google Google
John Puryear profile picture
John Puryear
July 12, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The staff was wonderful and knowledgeable no pressure or up selling! Done in a timely manner and they warranty their work!! Totally awesome the owner Richard even texted me to make sure we were happy with our repairs!!
Posted on Google Google
Marci Calley profile picture
Marci Calley
July 8, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Good service, they listen to u. Very happy for the help they gave my car.
Posted on Google Google
Giovanny Plascencia profile picture
Giovanny Plascencia
July 1, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I went to G&G to get my (damaged) oil pan replaced on my Toyota. However, when I got my car back, the technician had over tightened the drain plug leading to the gasket cracking, causing a fair amount of oil to leak out of my Toyota unbeknownst to me until I had gotten home. Fortunately, after a few phone calls, Shaun told me to return the vehicle after I told him the worsening severity of the situation, and my vehicle got promptly fixed after I had bought it back, and I commend them for owning up to their mistake. Overall, it seems they did a good job repairing the vehicle, and it’s priced a little on the higher side but for this state, and the overnight turnaround time it would say it’s more than reasonable. I would come back again.
Posted on Google Google
Sebastien Bauge profile picture
Sebastien Bauge
June 28, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
They did an excellent job. So excellent that they corrected tire installation errors caused by a different shop in town for free. Super transparent, knowledgeable, and helpful. Will use again.
Posted on Google Google
Sharon Thomas profile picture
Sharon Thomas
June 25, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had to have my air conditioning repaired and also have some maintenance work done. They got it done quickly and everything is working great. The staff is friendly and helpful.

G&G Specials

G&G Auto Repair can handle your vehicle's oil change and tire installation. Call 661-679-7957 to schedule today.

Oil Change
Semi-Synthetic
69.99

5 Quarts Oil and Filter. Includes oil change, filter, fluids level check, battery condition test, tire pressure check, and inspection for safety and reliability concerns.

Pricing may vary for certain European vehicles. Mention this special at check-in.

Oil Change
Full-Synthetic
89.99

5 Quarts Oil and Filter. Includes oil change, filter, fluids level check, battery condition test, tire pressure check, and inspection for safety and reliability concerns.

Pricing may vary for certain European vehicles. Mention this special at check-in.

Diesel Oil Change
Starting at
119.99

Duramax $119.99.
Dodge Cummins $129.99.
Ford Powerstroke $149.99.

Diesel oil change, multi-point inspection and battery test.

Mention this special at check-in.

Tires & Alignment
We do it here
CALL US

G&G offers tire replacement and alignment services. Call us today for more details.

G&G checks your tires for wear and date code. If needed, we can install tires while your vehicle is at our shop.

Call Now Button