Winter is here to stay for a while with its snow, ice, and cold temperatures! Make sure your car is prepared. If you have been keeping up with routine vehicle maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations, all you may need to survive winter is a car battery replacement. It’s easy to overlook this crucial piece of equipment as it is often “out of sight, out of mind.”
You may be wondering how do you know if your car battery needs to be replaced? Here are a few signs that indicate it may time for a car battery replacement:
- The pace of the engine crank. When starting the engine, does it “crank” slower than usual, or not at all? The power produced by the battery is not sufficient to start the engine.
- The power supply to electrical components. Are the lights too dim, or did the power windows stop working? The battery powers the electronic components, including the power windows, door locks, wipers, headlights, speaker system, and other small accessories.
- The battery case swells. Is the alternator in good working condition? If an alternator has a faulty voltage regulator, it will overcharge the battery, build up hydrogen gas faster than the battery can dissipate, resulting in an over-heated battery and possibly a swollen battery case.
Follow the maintenance tips listed below to reduce the risk of a dead battery in cold weather:
- Park in a Garage. An insulated garage will keep your battery warm, or insulate the battery.
- Drive your vehicle regularly. This will maintain the required level of charge in your battery.
- Keep it clean. Dirt and dampness can damage your battery case and dirty connections may cause your battery to lose its charge. Remove the clamps and clean away grease, dirt, and oxidation for the battery connections and the battery tray.
- Add Distilled Water. If you need to stretch the life of your car battery, you may need to occasionally add a little water (be sure it is distilled water).
- Secure the Battery. Make sure the battery is fastened securely on the tray to prevent excessive vibrations.
- Avoid jump-starting. Trying to jump-start a dead battery in today’s vehicles can damage the electronics. Call an auto shop for assistance.
Note to remember: Batteries have a limited lifespan—make sure your car battery is guaranteed for the life of the warranty.
Need to know more about how do you know if your car battery needs to be replaced? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
Winter is here to stay for a while with its snow, ice, and cold temperatures! Make sure your car is prepared. If you have been keeping up with routine vehicle maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations, all you may need to survive winter is a car battery replacement. It’s easy to overlook this crucial piece of equipment as it is often “out of sight, out of mind.”
You may be wondering how do you know if your car battery needs to be replaced? Here are a few signs that indicate it may time for a car battery replacement:
- The pace of the engine crank. When starting the engine, does it “crank” slower than usual, or not at all? The power produced by the battery is not sufficient to start the engine.
- The power supply to electrical components. Are the lights too dim, or did the power windows stop working? The battery powers the electronic components, including the power windows, door locks, wipers, headlights, speaker system, and other small accessories.
- The battery case swells. Is the alternator in good working condition? If an alternator has a faulty voltage regulator, it will overcharge the battery, build up hydrogen gas faster than the battery can dissipate, resulting in an over-heated battery and possibly a swollen battery case.
Follow the maintenance tips listed below to reduce the risk of a dead battery in cold weather:
- Park in a Garage. An insulated garage will keep your battery warm, or insulate the battery.
- Drive your vehicle regularly. This will maintain the required level of charge in your battery.
- Keep it clean. Dirt and dampness can damage your battery case and dirty connections may cause your battery to lose its charge. Remove the clamps and clean away grease, dirt, and oxidation for the battery connections and the battery tray.
- Add Distilled Water. If you need to stretch the life of your car battery, you may need to occasionally add a little water (be sure it is distilled water).
- Secure the Battery. Make sure the battery is fastened securely on the tray to prevent excessive vibrations.
- Avoid jump-starting. Trying to jump-start a dead battery in today’s vehicles can damage the electronics. Call an auto shop for assistance.
Note to remember: Batteries have a limited lifespan—make sure your car battery is guaranteed for the life of the warranty.
Need to know more about how do you know if your car battery needs to be replaced? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
