Why Do You Need to Service Your Battery?

Though most car owners do not see a battery inspection as a priority, the life of your battery is the single most important item in your vehicle. The battery is what makes your car go. Most drivers wait until there is a problem with the battery, (ie. corrosion, battery click, etc.), to service their battery. If you service your battery like you service all other parts of your car, (once every 6 months), you can prevent your car from breaking down or having technical issues! Be sure to call our service department to schedule a battery check-up today!

How to Know When to Replace Your Battery?

Being able to gauge a battery’s health from the outside is not an easy task, but that doesn’t mean you can’t obtain some insight into it. One of the most noticeable signs that something isn’t right is a slow crank. When you hear the car wheezing during ignition, especially when the weather isn’t cold, something might be amiss.

That may be caused by a weakened alternator not charging the battery fast enough, so it may not be the battery, specifically. But there are certain checks you can do that will help you determine whether you need to replace your battery now or later. Check the list below to see the most common telltale signs:

• The check engine light is on
• The engine is slow to start
• The lights are dim or you are experiencing electrical issues
• The battery connectors are corroded
• You can smell something rotten

If you notice any of these signs apply to you, contact our team today to schedule a battery check as soon as you can!

How to Maintain Your Car’s Battery Life?

When it comes to your car’s battery, it should never be a case of a forgotten or delayed auto service. Like many other parts of a vehicle, it needs a focus of care and attention in order to function as it should.

The tips below are key things to think about when it comes to battery maintenance to help keep your car battery in tip-top condition:

• Keep the cable connections clean and taut. Any stage of corrosion on your battery will compromise the ability of the starter motor to draw current from the battery, and for the charging system to keep it topped up. You can remove corrosion from your battery connectors with a stiff brush, sandpaper, or a wire brush.
• If the battery has caps that let you check the water level, keep it up to the full mark, usually just under an inch from the top of the cell. You can use distilled water but tap water is also fine. Do wear eye protection – safety glasses or goggles – when doing so.
• In a standard vehicle, the battery is held in place with a retaining strap – and this should be tight and taut so the battery can’t slide around.