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In this blog I would like to provide some service tips and pointers. There are many simple things you can do to prolong the life of your battery.
1. Always check the connection to your battery post connections. Some vehicles have top post and some have side mounts. Make sure the connections are tightly secured. If one of the connections is loose, this could prevent your vehicle from starting.
2. Clean battery terminals and cables will not only ensure that your battery us supplying enough power to start your vehicle, it will also help prolong the life of your battery. If you start to see a white or blue powdery build-up, this means your terminals and cables are beginning to oxidize and corrode. This can prevent you vehicle from starting and lower the ability for your batter to charge back up from your alternator. There are solutions that can be purchased from automotive stores that can be sprayed to prevent battery corrosion. Just be sure not to overuse these sprays, too much can cause problems too.
To clean a battery terminal: the best solution is a mixture of water and baking soda and scrub it with a wire brush or post cleaner. (Take care to not breathe the corrosive dust, because this can cause lung damage.)
If you see that the corrosion is effecting the batter cables, it is best to just replace those.
3. Buying a battery. This is always a tricky choice, because different vehicles take different size batteries. Without getting to technical with all the different types of batteries, I will break it down.
the three most important factors to consider in purchasing a battery is: Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), lifespan and warranty, and the all mighty price.
First off, you have to have enough CCA to start the size of you vehicle's engine consistently. So depending on the type of vehicle you have, you will need to check to see what the recommend CCA is recommended for your vehicle. (Most automotive store will be able to help you find this information for your vehicle.)
When purchasing a new battery, there are a few things you can do to save you money in the long run. Look for a battery in your price range with the best lifespan warranty. most of these warranties are pro-rated, so the longer you have the battery the less you get back on the battery exchange. However, should you take advantage of the warranty programs you can save money in the long run, even though you may pay more for the initial battery purchase.
4. When receiving a jumpstart, it's recommended to let your vehicle run for a minimum of 20 minutes before shutting the vehicle off. By doing so, this should allow your car's alternator to supply enough charge to your battery to start the next time. If you continue to have a problem starting your vehicle, check the install/recharge date that is posted on most batteries. If it's past due, it may be time to exchange the battery.
Remember to take your battery core to and exchange it, not only is this good for the environment, you also receive a core exchange discount on your battery purchased.
5. I believe you get what you pay for, but always read the fine print. Read the warranty information and exchange policy carefully and make sure you register your battery if required. By doing so, it can save a lot of headache, hassle and a little money in the pocketbook.
If you should find yourself stuck with a dead battery, check with your insurance or roadside assistance company or give our office a call at: (940)-400-2761.