It's impossible to get your commercial rig running when it has a dead battery. Fortunately, most commercial truck drivers know they need to maintain their truck's battery, and mobile semi repair can help when a battery dies while you are on the road. According to J.D. Power, a well-maintained automotive battery can last for up to six years. If you suspect you need to replace your truck's battery, here are three signs that it is dying.

1. Ignition Hesitates Before the Engine Starts

One of the first signs that a battery is weak and possibly dying is when it gets harder for the starter motor to fire up the engine. When you try to use the ignition, the starter motor might hesitate or appear to fail before the motor suddenly fires. Unless there's a problem with the ignition, a battery cable, or the starter, the battery likely is getting weaker and needs a replacement. A mobile semi repair service can diagnose the problem, determine the cause, and replace the battery when it's dead or dying.

2. Dim Headlights and Interior Lights

The battery is your truck's only electrical power source when the engine isn't running. Once the motor is engaged, the alternator provides the power to recharge the battery and drive your rig. If you notice the headlights or interior lights are dim when you get into your truck, that's a good indicator that the battery is holding less than a full charge. The motor might hesitate to start and might not at all if the temperature is below freezing. A technician can test the battery to see if it's taking a full charge or if something else might be wrong, such as a defective alternator.

3. Clicking Sound When Trying to Start

When the battery is too weak to engage the starter motor, you will hear a clicking sound while the engine refuses to turn over. That's the sound of too little power trying to engage the starter motor. Your truck won't start, and a weak or dead battery is likely the problem. Replacing the battery should fix the problem, which a mobile service can handle if you are in the middle of a run.

When your rig has a dead battery or another problem that leaves you disabled, our mobile semi repair service can get you back on the road whenever possible. You can call us at Feldkamps Towing to learn more and schedule service for your commercial truck. We have over 28 years of experience.