I have a 2006 Hyundai Elantra. It has 48.5k miles on it.

From May until July I was sick and in and out of the hospital and my car got driven very infrequently over the 2 month period of time. Not sure it if has anything to do with it..but just thought I would add that.

Tonight on my way to work from the moment I started driving I saw a light on my dash flicker. It was very quick and faded just as fast. When I did glance at it I saw it was the battery light. A rectangle with a + and - at each end. The light did not stay on for longer than a few seconds each time. It would flicker and fade in and out for about 10 minutes. After that it stopped. I know running your car charges the battery so that could be why it stopped. I don't know. I thought maybe a loose wire but then why would it have stopped?

I have not yet replaced anything on my car..and since I am fast approaching 50k I am getting nervous. I want to take it to auto zone in the am and get a free check.... but how long do factory items like this last? Am I due for a new one already? I have a 100k 10 year warranty is it covered???

I don't know a lot about cars so please be nice

Thanks

Kari