Service Volkswagen Battery

CAR BATTERY

Regular battery maintenance is essential for getting the best performance from your Volkswagen. A well-maintained battery ensures reliability but also protects key components like the starter and alternator from damage. With routine battery maintenance, you’ll save both time and money while keeping your vehicle running smoothly for years.

Luckily, the signs of a bad car battery are easy to spot:

  • The dashboard warning light is illuminated. This is the most obvious sign that there’s an issue with your battery, so don’t ignore it!
  • Corrosion on the connectors, which impacts the battery’s connection and performance.
  • A warped battery case. This looks like swelling, cracking, or a bulbous side of the case.
  • A sulfur or rotten egg smell when you pop your hood. This is a sign that your battery acid is leaking.
  • Dim headlights or flickering lights. 
  • Electrical issues. Modern vehicles have extensive electrical systems, and some parts may not work as they should if the battery is dying.
  • A slow-cranking engine.
  • A clicking sound when you turn the key or press the start button.

We recommend a battery inspection every six months or every 6,000 miles. You can find the recommended schedule for your specific vehicle in your owner’s manual.

DO I HAVE CAR BATTERY ISSUES OR IS IT SOMETHING ELSE?

There are few things more inconvenient than a car that won’t start. While the battery is a common culprit, you’ll need to determine whether the issue is the battery, the starter, or something else entirely.

Not sure how to tell the difference? Don’t worry! Here is our guide to starter or battery problems, with fixes and a few other problems that you may encounter including more details on signs, causes, and roles of car battery, car starter, and car alternator issues:

Component

Symptoms of Issues

Role in the Car

Common Causes of Failure

Car Battery

– Clicking sound when attempting to start, but engine won’t turn over

– Car runs after a jump-start but won’t start again once shut off

– Battery warning light on dashboard (“GEN” or battery light)

– Recurring problems starting

– Dim or flickering headlights and interior lights

– Supplies electrical power to the starter and vehicle’s electrical systems

– Age of the battery (typically 4-5 years lifespan)

– Corrosion on battery terminals

– Draining due to lights or doors left open

– Extreme temperatures causing wear and tear

Car Starter

– Clicking noise when turning the key

– Dashboard lights illuminate, but the vehicle won’t start

– No response or slow, weak cranking even with a jump-start

– Vehicle cranks slowly or may turn over weakly

– Converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy to turn over the engine

– Wear and tear on internal components

– Electrical connection issues

– Faulty solenoid

Car Alternator

– Growling or whining noises before engine dies

– Burning rubber smell from overheating alternator

– Dim or flickering headlights and interior lights

– Dashboard warning light (“GEN” or battery light) is on

– Car starts after a jump but dies shortly after

– Gauges behave erratically

– Battery dies without an obvious cause

– Recharges the battery and powers the vehicle’s electrical systems while the engine is running

– Worn-out internal components

– Faulty belts or pulleys causing friction

– Overheating leading to damaged wires or belts

– Alternator typically lasts around 10 years

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Don’t take chances with your Volkswagen’s battery! Rely on Low Country Volkswagen for expert service and genuine OEM parts. We have an extensive inventory of authentic Volkswagen batteries to ensure compatibility with your vehicle. Whether you need a battery inspection or replacement, schedule your service appointment today, or order your VW battery parts directly from our trusted dealership.

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FAQs

Can a car battery charge itself?

Your car’s battery is recharged by the alternator while your engine is running. When you start your vehicle, the battery provides the initial power needed, but once the engine is running, the alternator takes over to power your car’s electrical systems and recharge the battery.

If your battery is completely dead, the alternator cannot recharge it. In addition, short trips don’t allow enough time for the alternator to fully recharge the battery. To maintain optimal battery health, making regular drives of at least 30 minutes can help it charge properly.

Can a car battery die while driving?

Yes, your car battery can die while driving. Typically, this indicates a more serious problem with your vehicle’s charging system, not just an issue with the battery itself.

Can a car battery die from heat?

Summer heat can wreak havoc on your car’s battery. The ideal temperature range for a car battery is 70º-80º F. Temps above 80º can cause the battery’s liquid electrolyte to evaporate faster, leading to damage within the battery. Heat can also cause the battery to overcharge, corrode, and swell, all of which shorten its lifespan.

How to protect a car battery in the heat?

Luckily, there are several ways to protect your car battery from the heat. Here are a few tips:

  • Park in the shade or garage
  • Use a car cover to help keep your car cool by blocking and reflecting the sun’s rays.
  • Use insulation or a battery heat shield to help reduce temperature fluctuations and protect your battery from direct engine heat. 
  • Make sure your fan belt is sturdy and in working condition and adjust the tension if necessary. 

Can a car battery die if it is too cold?

Yes, but only in extreme cold. Cold temperatures slow down the battery’s chemical reactions, which reduce its power output.

How to protect a car battery from the freezing cold?

Here are some ways to keep your car battery from freezing: 

  • Keep it charged. A fully charged battery won’t freeze until the temperature is -76°F. 
  • Use a thermal battery blanket around the sides of the battery. 
  • Clean corrosion from the battery terminals.
  • Park your car in the garage at night.
  • Check your coolant level and refill it when needed.

What is the basic maintenance of a VW car battery?

Basic car battery maintenance includes:

  • Regularly inspecting your battery for signs of damage or corrosion. 
  • Check for leaks, cracks, or bulges in the battery case. 
  • Cleaning corrosion around the terminals.

Staying on top of these basic maintenance tasks will keep your VW running efficiently and may even help prevent more costly repairs in the future.

How long should a VW car battery last?

With proper maintenance, it’s not unusual for Volkswagen drivers to have a car battery last between three and five years. Many factors can affect its lifespan like climate, charging circuits, and driving habits. 

Where is the best battery service near me?

When it comes to battery check or replacement, thoroughness is key. At Low Country Volkswagen’s Service Center, our factory-trained technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose your car’s battery and starter issues. Once they’ve identified the problem, they’ll fix it and get you back on the road in no time.

Do VW parts have a warranty?

Yes, Volkswagen parts carry a parts warranty for two years from the date of purchase. There are no mileage limits. 

Do new Volkswagen cars have a warranty?

Yes, your new Volkswagen is protected by:

  • 2 years/20,000-mile service warranty
  • 3 years of roadside assistance
  • 4 years/50,000-mile limited warranty

You can learn more about VW warranty coverage here:

What does the VW warranty not cover?

The Volkswagen warranty does not cover normal wear-and-tear, glass, tires, bumpers, or upholstery. Damages caused by environmental conditions and car accidents are also not covered. 

What voids a VW warranty?

Improper maintenance is the most common reason a warranty is voided. You’ll be responsible for any and all repairs if you fail to properly maintain your vehicle. 

How do I find out if my VW is still under warranty?

Volkswagen warranty programs vary from year to year and model to model. The best place to find your protection is in the Warranty and Maintenance section of your owner’s manual. If you don’t have your manual, you can order one through a local VW dealer or call Volkswagen of America at 1-800-544-8021. 

If you have additional questions about your VW warranty, please contact us at 843-881-8555.

 

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