What Are the Signs You Need a New Car Battery?

December 10, 2021 · 3 min read

When your car needs a new battery, you can't wait too long to get it replaced or you can end up on the side of the road with a vehicle that won't run. This is why you need to be aware of the signs you need a new car battery before it's too late.

Your Engine Doesn't Want to Start

This is one of the earliest signs of a failing battery. If you try to start your car and it hesitates for a second or two instead of firing right up like normal, it's likely your battery is no longer creating the proper charge to ignite the starter. Bring your car to an authorized service center to have your battery inspected. A factory-trained technician will assess your battery's charge and let you know if you need a replacement.

Your Headlights Flicker or Become Dim

Since your headlights run off the battery, if you notice they start flickering or are dimmer than usual, it's possible that your battery is not providing enough charge to run all the electronic components in your car. You could also notice that your cabin lights flicker or don't turn on at all, since your battery will direct its charge toward keeping your vehicle running rather than your lights if it's struggling to power everything.

You Smell a Foul Odor

Your battery has a variety of internal components that keep it operating as it should. However, if there's an internal short or the battery becomes damaged in some way, the battery's gas can begin to leak. This gas has the recognizable odor of rotten eggs, so if you smell this odor when you lift your car's hood, you need to get your battery checked out right away. It will probably need to be replaced since damaged batteries can be dangerous.

Your Battery's Case Is an Odd Shape

Your battery should be a rectangular prism, but extreme heat and cold can cause it to swell and contract, which can then lead to cracking or bulging. What you see on the outside is an indication of what's happening on the inside. If your battery is any shape other than rectangular, there's probably some internal damage as well, which could be causing the battery to malfunction. Have any misshapen battery replaced right away.

Your Battery's Connectors Are Corroded

The connectors on your battery can easily become corroded since the terminals are bare metal. If you see a white, flaky substance on the top of your battery near the metal components, you need to have them cleaned. Corrosion can interfere with the volts your battery generates. You may not need to replace your battery if it's corroded, but you should have it inspected anyway just to make sure no permanent damage has been done.

Your Check Engine Light Comes On

While your check engine light could mean that any number of things are wrong with your car, it can also come on if your battery is running out of power. Have your car inspected by an authorized technician to determine the cause of the light and replace your battery if necessary.

Schedule Your Car Battery Replacements in Frederick, MD

Your car simply won't run if the battery dies, and it could be unsafe. Pay attention to the above-mentioned signs to make sure you don't end up with a battery that doesn’t work correctly. Do you need to get Kia battery services, or another type of vehicle? Contact DARCARS Kia of Frederick to schedule an appointment to have your car serviced and your battery checked.

Posted in:

Car Battery Replacement Signs Frederick, MD

Aug 09, 2024 in Auto Repair Frederick MD

7 Signs That Your Kia Needs a New Car Battery

Some of the signs that you need a new car battery are subtle, while others are more obvious. You should get to know all of them so you'll know when to head to the Kia dealer for a battery replacement. It's better to go when the symptoms start showing up than to wait. 1. Your Headlights Get Dim Your car's headlights are one of the many components powered by the battery. So, the headlights getting dimmer is often one of the first signs that your battery is starting to go bad. more 2. Your Headlights Begin Flickering Your headlights dimming can be subtle, so it may be hard to notice. Flickering is easy to notice and sometimes accompanies your headlights dimming. It may happen on its own, too, so always be on the lookout for that. 3. Your Dash Lights Get Dim Other lights in your car might get dim when your battery is on its way to failing. This includes the lights on your dashboard. If it's suddenly harder to see anything on your dashboard, then it's a tell-tale sign that your battery is struggling. 4. Your Battery Terminals Are Corroded Some corrosion on the metal components of your battery can be normal, but if there's a lot of corrosion there, then you may be in trouble. The corrosion is easy to notice because it's typically white or a blue-green color. It can look a little crystal-like, too. 5. Your Battery Case Is Misshapen Many batteries remain their normal shape and size as they age. However, if something goes wrong with the battery, then it may become warped. There could be bulges on the battery case, the case may crack, or the case might just start swelling up. A damaged battery like this needs to be replaced. 6. Your Battery Is Leaking Acid An aging or damaged battery may start leaking, and a leaking battery needs to be replaced promptly. You might notice your battery is leaking because you spot corrosion on the terminals, and the smell can also give it away. When battery acid is leaking out, you'll smell a distinct aroma. 7. Your Accessories Aren't Working Properly Your lights aren't the only electrically powered part of your car that may act strange when your battery is failing. Any electronic component could start to malfunction. The stereo may stop working, the power windows might stick or refuse to move at all, and your phone may not charge when you plug it into one of the USB ports in your car. Does Your Kia in Frederick, MD Show Any of These Car Battery Replacement Signs? Come get your new battery at DARCARS Kia of Frederick today. Stop by for regular battery health checks to stay on top of things.

Jul 23, 2025 in 2025 Kia EV9

5 Impressive Aspects of the 2025 Kia EV9

The 2025 Kia EV9 is blazing its own path in the electric SUV market, with powerful motors, quick recharging times, and remarkable efficiency. Every EV9 also comes with plenty of standard features that set it apart from the competition, including comfort, convenience, and safety technologies. 1. Comfortable Three-Row Cabin With five available trim levels, the EV9 lets you choose the powertrain and cabin configuration that are just right for you. The Light RWD and Wind AWD trims have seven-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat, while the remaining three trims seat six and come with second-row captain's chairs. Third-row passengers can enter and exit easily by sliding the second-row seats with just one touch. SynTex synthetic leather seat trim comes standard, as does a tri-zone automatic climate control system with separate controls for the rear passengers. more 2. Panoramic Display The EV9's vibrant 29.6-inch panoramic display, which includes the instrument display, climate display, and navigation touchscreen, provides the driver with all the information they need for every journey. The infotainment system automatically receives Over-the-Air system and map updates and connects to your compatible smartphone with wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Once you're connected, the touchscreen can mirror your phone's apps, and the eight-speaker audio system can play its music. 3. Smart Storage Space The EV9 doesn't just have three rows of spacious seating; it also has 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space for everything you need to bring along. When your hands are full, the Smart Power Liftgate detects your Smart Key and opens hands-free so you can load or unload easily. The EV9 also has a front trunk with hidden storage and folding rear seats to create up to 81.7 cubic feet of storage space. 4. Digital Key 2.0 Getting on the road is more convenient than ever with the EV9's Digital Key 2.0, which turns your compatible smartphone into a virtual key fob. Not only can you use your phone to lock, unlock, and drive your vehicle, but you can also share your virtual key with friends and family and manage their access levels. 5. Convenient Driver Assistance When the highway gets busy, the EV9 helps you out with steering, acceleration, and braking assistance from standard Highway Driving Assist 2. This technology can detect lane markers and nearby vehicles, then keep you centered in your lane and maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. It can even automatically change lanes when you engage the turn signal while holding the steering wheel. The best way to learn more about the EV9 is to get into the driver's seat and experience its impressive performance and tech features for yourself. When you're ready to schedule your test drive, call or visit us at DARCARS Kia of Frederick in Frederick, MD.

Jul 09, 2025 in DARCARS Kia of Frederick

6 Impressive Aspects of the 2025 Kia Niro Hybrid

The Kia Niro Hybrid offers state-of-the-art hybrid engineering and thoughtfully designed features to deliver an unforgettable driving experience. Confidence-boosting performance makes this versatile compact SUV the perfect companion for an active lifestyle. Modern amenities throughout the roomy cabin elevate comfort and engagement. If you're ready to make the jump to hybrid driving, explore these six standout features of the 2025 Kia Niro Hybrid. 1. Inspired Hybrid Performance The Kia Niro Hybrid utilizes next-generation technology to deliver powerfully efficient performance for all your driving needs. Driven by a sophisticated 1.6L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder hybrid powerplant, this capable SUV can produce a spirited 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. With an EPA-estimated 53 MPG, the Niro Hybrid can travel over 500 miles on a single tank, making it the perfect companion for daily commutes and epic adventures. more 2. Confidence-Boosting Capability Each time you get behind the wheel of the Kia Niro Hybrid, advanced technologies let you drive confidently. The Electronic Stability Control system actively monitors your rate of travel and enhances vehicle stability by automatically adjusting engine throttle and braking to individual wheels as needed. Driving on steep inclines is smooth and effortless thanks to the Niro Hybrid's Hill-Start Assist and Downhill Brake systems. 3. Modern Comfort and Convenience Thoughtfully appointed details throughout the five-passenger Kia Niro Hybrid's modern cabin make every trip relaxing and enjoyable. The front seats provide adjustable settings for personalized support, and available built-in heating and ventilation functions add extra coziness. Separate temperature settings for each side of the cabin are perfectly regulated by the dual-zone climate control system. 4. Multitasking Versatility The Niro Hybrid helps you be more productive when you need to get things done. For everyday tasks, you'll find 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. For life's more challenging moments, fold down the rear seatbacks to access 63.7 cubic feet of cargo volume. Select trims offer a dual-level cargo floor to stow your valuables out of view. 5. Seamless Engagement on the Go Enjoy seamless engagement wherever life takes you in the Kia Niro Hybrid's ultramodern cabin. The onboard infotainment system includes a brilliant 8" color touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, built-in Bluetooth technology, and a vibrant six-speaker sound system for enjoying your favorite content on the go. 6. Driver Assistance and Safety Technology Kia engineers have incorporated advanced driver assistance and safety technologies throughout the Niro Hybrid to keep you and your passengers safe. Standard features include blind spot warning, collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning with corrective steering, pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. From everyday driving to family road trips, the Kia Niro Hybrid offers exceptional performance, comfort, and connectivity to make every drive memorable. To energize the way you drive, connect with our friendly Kia experts at DARCARS Kia of Frederick in Frederick, MD, and test drive the Niro Hybrid today.